A lot of people believe that the responsibilities of a Scrum Master are the same or similar as a Project Manager. While it’s not too far off, there are some key differences that should be recognized. Proximity to the project team and overall responsibilities are similar but the ways of working are the biggest differences. 

If you want to know how to become a Scrum Master with no experience, it’s best to go in with an open mind. The journey requires more than just a roadmap on how to get into the role, it requires a shift in mindset around traditional project management. 

In this post I’ll share 3 easy to follow steps on how to become a Scrum Master with no experience. 

Even if you were previously a Project Manager, you’d still want to follow these steps as Scrum requires a different approach to project management. 

Step 1 - Learn the ins and outs of the Agile methodology and the Scrum Framework

Learning agile is a must! The Agile methodology is widely used across software development projects where scrum teams usually thrive. The iterative approach is ideal where changes are inevitable. Become a master and have the Agile manifesto ingrained in your brain as you begin this journey. 

There are so many resources available via the Scrum Alliance website. There you can find Scrum coaches and training materials. Once you feel comfortable enough and you have gained a solid understanding of Agile and Scrum, you can sit for the certification exam to become a certified Scrum Master (CSM). 

However, we all know that training and certifications are not enough to get you in the role. This is just the first step. 

Step 2 - Complete a small project that you can document to demonstrate your abilities.

When you don’t have experience, you have to create it. It probably seems like a complicated task but it’s better than just sitting around waiting. This could look like creating a project to develop a small application or website.

Join online groups with others who are also looking to gain experience. You can easily find coders, programmers and business owners who are looking to get a start in their professional journey.

Gather a committed team and create a product. The most important part is documentation. Make sure that you’re able document the entire process in ways that are easy to demonstrate to a potential employer. 

Step 3 - Find a mentor in the role who can guide you through your journey and provide constructive feedback.

Lastly, connect with experienced Scrum Masters and Agile Coaches who can show you the ropes. They will be able to give you real world examples of what it’s like working on a scrum team.

You’ll want to ask them how to set up your resume and how to prepare for an interview. Also ask them what you can expect in your first official role as a Scrum Master. Be open to learning from them and really lean in for guidance. Mentors are a game changer and make all the difference in your journey in becoming a Scrum Master. 

By, Airess Rembert, PMP, Member of Women Of Project Management & Blogger at The Nerd Bae

Join.

Join the full discussion inside the Women Of Project Management Membership. Listen to part of our conversation on the Women Of Project Management Podcast.

If you're new to our community, Women Of Project Management is the only community created to support & amplify the voices of women & women of color in every specialty of the project management industry worldwide. We support women in every stage of their career, learn more at Women Of Project Management.