what is a scrum master?
As a scrum master, you use Scrum to manage development projects in a company. Scrum is a popular framework for project management that consists of precise guidelines for how small teams should work together to achieve goals. Being a scrum master is all about bringing the Agile methodology to new workplaces. When you're a scrum master, you oversee teams and guide them through the Scrum process. Your task usually includes explaining the concept to employees and implementing the Scrum framework in the workplace.
Once your company starts using Scrum, you're in charge of organising each stage of the Scrum approach. Your job can include everything from overseeing meetings to drafting reports. Unlike traditional project manager roles, where you instruct employees in their tasks, your goal is to empower your team to work independently. Scrum was first popularised by the software development industry. It remains one of the most common methods of handling projects, such as designing new programs or releasing new features or updates.
Over the years, Scrum has evolved to work in many different fields. As a scrum master, you can work in the financial field, advertising industry, technical sector and more. It's a great opportunity to combine your industry-specific skills with your general organisational and communication skills.
Would working as a scrum master suit your project management skills and creativity? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in the role of a scrum master.
scrum master jobsaverage scrum master salary
Your salary as a scrum master depends on various factors, from the project scope to your skills. According to the Economic Research Institute, the average earnings of a scrum master in Greece is €41,500 per year. The median salary for junior positions in the role is €29,500 annually. In a senior scrum master position, you enjoy higher salaries of up to €50,500 per year.
how to increase your earnings as a scrum master
As a scrum master, you work on diverse projects depending on your industry. Your earnings depend on your team's size and project complexity. In a junior position, you work on simple projects with a small team. Hence, your earnings are lower than senior scrum masters who work with larger teams and handle complex projects.
The location also affects your earnings. The demand for scrum masters in large cities increases the salary potential. In areas with a low demand for scrum masters, you are likely to take home a lower salary.
types of scrum masters
Your job as a scrum master varies a lot depending on the business you work for. Some scrum masters are high-level consultants who spend all their time focusing on Scrum. As a scrum consultant, you often work at big companies and move from team to team throughout the day. Other scrum masters handle a single team while taking on other roles in the workplace. For example, a scrum master might also work as a DevOps developer who writes software when not leading scrum meetings. Others take on additional management roles or executive tasks outside of the Scrum methodology.
working as a scrum master
Becoming a scrum master is exciting since the role challenges you to manage various variables. Let’s dive into the responsibilities, work environments and work schedules of scrum masters.
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what does a scrum master do?
As a scrum master, your main goal is to help the rest of the workplace carry out Scrum tactics. Depending on the workplace structure, you might perform one or more of the following duties:
- Organising and setting up scrum methodology: many workplaces hire a scrum master when interested in Scrum but don't know how it works. As a scrum master, you are responsible for explaining the methodology to everyone, dividing workers into individual scrum teams, and setting goals. You listen to the product owner's needs and discover how Scrum can implement those needs.
- Leading scrum ceremonies: you are also in charge of handling the four main types of scrum ceremonies. They include scheduling the meetings, leading the discussion, making an agenda, and ensuring that every person's voice is heard. Sprint planning can last hours, while the daily scrum stand-up meeting usually takes 15 minutes. You also manage the sprint review after each goal is met and the retrospective to talk about how the task was handled.
- Facilitating scrum activities: throughout the entire sprint, you work behind the scenes and support the employees. Depending on the workplace and the goal of the sprint, you'll handle a range of tasks, such as keeping track of metrics, solving conflicts and sourcing supplies. Some scrum masters take a hands-on approach and jump in to help the team solve programming problems or communicate with management.
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work environment of a scrum master
Since you work in project management, your job will be almost entirely in an indoor office environment. Although you spend a lot of time at your desk, you also move between offices to talk to people. If you're a scrum master outside the tech industry, there might be a little more variation. Manufacturing scrum masters often spend time in warehouses or factories, while scrum masters in building design might visit construction sites. You could work in either the public or private sectors as a scrum master.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on the company you work for, you are likely to collaborate with software engineers, software developers and web developers. You also work with systems administrators, IT specialists and cloud engineers in the technology industry. If you are a scrum master outside the tech industry, you are likely to work with project managers, operations managers and factory managers.
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scrum master work schedule
Scrum masters end up following the work schedule of their industry. Your job is to help others complete their goals, so you should be present when other people are working. The majority of scrum masters work a 9-to-5 schedule on weekdays. In a full-time position, you work 40 hours a week. Some companies hire temporary or contract workers to help them get Scrum up and running. In these cases, you would work for a few months to implement Scrum and then move on to a new job.
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career opportunities as a scrum master
Your background as a scrum master makes you well-suited for most project manager jobs. If you learn other popular methodologies, you can ensure that you still provide useful services for companies. Your experience in a wide range of fields could also allow you to transition to consulting work and other executive positions.
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advantages of finding a job as a scrum master through randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- a range of jobs in your area
scrum master skills and education
Some of the educational requirements of a scrum master include:
- Education: while there's no specific course for becoming a scrum master, consider pursuing a bachelor's degree in business or an industry-relevant course. You also require Scrum and Agile training from a certified Scrum professional. When you complete the training, get a Certified Scrum Master certification to showcase your skills.
- Work experience: build your work experience through internships and network with industry experts to improve your skills. Entry-level scrum jobs help you build a portfolio and improve your employment prospects.
competencies and characteristics of scrum masters
Scrum masters tend to be motivated people who enjoy both big-picture concepts and small details. Here are some of the skills and traits to help you succeed as a scrum master:
- Communication skills: you should be comfortable communicating ideas clearly to a variety of people. Good scrum masters help different people collaborate, so verbal skills are essential. It is also important to get along well with others and listen to your team’s ideas and inputs.
- Computer skills: a majority of scrum master jobs are in the technology industry, so having an awareness of things like coding can be very useful. Even if you're working in another field, you need technical skills to manage project management tasks, such as scheduling and record-keeping.
- Organisational skills: as a scrum master, you are valued for your ability to keep projects organised. Not only do you organise tasks and products, but you also organise people. You use your expertise to find order in a chaotic environment.
- Leadership skills: scrum masters should be comfortable taking on leadership roles. Besides delegating tasks to others, you also need the ability to inspire and instruct co-workers.
- Analytical skills: you need the ability to think logically and understand how various concepts relate to each other. Problem-solving skills help you sort out issues and keep processes running efficiently.
FAQs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a scrum master.
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how much do scrum masters make in Greece?
As a scrum master, you earn an average salary of €41,500 per year. In a junior role, you have minimal experience and manage a small team of developers. Hence, your salary starts at €29,500 yearly. As you improve your skills, your earnings also increase, and you can make up to €50,500 annually. Your earnings also depend on the industry you work in and the complexity of your duties.
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what is the main responsibility of a scrum master?
As a scrum master, you ensure the Scrum framework is followed during the development process. You rely on Scrum methodology and best practices to improve the development process and speed up the workflow. You guide the team through brainstorming sessions and identify areas of improvement.
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what are the most useful skills of scrum masters?
As a scrum master, you rely on your leadership skills to motivate your team toward a particular goal. With your leadership skills, you can guide workers and supervise performance to ensure the team achieves the milestones set for the project. You also require good listening skills to appreciate and incorporate the input of every team member.
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what qualifications do you need to be a scrum master?
You don’t require any particular educational qualifications to work as a scrum master. However, you need in-depth knowledge of the Scrum methodology and a recognised certification for Scrum masters. Improve your work experience through internships and entry-level roles.
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is a scrum master the same as a project manager?
Unlike a project manager who manages the entire project, a scrum master only guides the team through the Scrum methodology. As a scrum master, you emphasise Scrum values so that the team can manage the project collectively.
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how do I find a job as a scrum master?
Finding a job near you as a scrum master is easy. Search our job offers. Have you found what you're looking for? Then submit your application using the ‘Apply’ button top right on the page. No jobs available right now? Then log in or register an account to send us your resume and we'll pass it on to a recruiter who will contact you if an opportunity opens up for you.
