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Scrum Master

Kaitakawaenga Kakari

Scrum masters use the scrum software development approach to keep IT project teams on track. They also help remove obstacles to progress. 

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Secondary education

A tertiary entrance qualification is required to enter further training. Useful subjects include digital technologies, maths, business studies and English.

For Year 11 to 13 students, the Gateway programme is a good way to gain industry experience.

Study fields

Study levels

  • Certificate
  • Diploma
  • Bachelor's degree

Useful experience

Useful experience for scrum masters includes: 

  • working in teams that use the Agile approach to project management
  • managing projects
  • on-the-job training through IT internships and graduate recruitment programmes.

What you will do

Scrum masters may do some or all of the following:

  • coach and lead scrum teams
  • organise short standup meetings and facilitate these using the scrum method
  • manage and report on the activities of the scrum team
  • protect the scrum team from interruptions when a product is being developed
  • help the scrum team deal with obstacles.

Skills and knowledge

Scrum masters need to have knowledge of some or all of the following:

  • principles of the Agile approach to project management
  • scrum methodology
  • other Agile approaches and techniques such as Kanban and continuous testing
  • how to handle software development issues
  • common web technologies used by the scrum team.
Pay

Scrum masters usually earn

$120K-$200K

per year

Job opportunities
Good
Chances of getting a job as a scrum master are good due to a shortage of workers.
Length of training
2-3
years of training usually required.

Industry

Information Technology

Scrum masters use the scrum software development approach to keep IT project teams on track. They also help remove obstacles to progress. 

Similar jobs in this industry

Entry requirements

There are no specific requirements to become a scrum master. However, you usually need: 

  • an industry certification such as Certified Scrum Master (CSM) or Professional Scrum Master (PSM)
  • two or more years’ experience working in the Agile methodology and being a member in scrum teams.

Scrum masters may also have a diploma or degree, often in an IT-related subject such as software engineering, computer science, information systems or e-commerce.

Chances of getting a job

Increasing demand for scrum masters

Demand for experienced scrum masters is rising due to the popularity of scrum and similar Agile approaches to:

  • shift services and systems online
  • build user-friendly websites and apps
  • redesign existing websites for mobile devices.

Shortage of experienced scrum masters

There are not enough experienced scrum masters to meet demand. Nearly two thirds of IT employers report skills shortages, and there aren't enough information technology (IT) trainees.

How to get your first IT job

You can improve your chances of getting a job through:

  • internships like Summer of Tech
  • graduate programmes offered by IT companies
  • mentoring programmes.

Types of employers varied

Scrum masters can work for:

  • private companies that provide web, database and network services
  • software development companies
  • private companies 
  • government departments and educational institutions.

Find out more about training

IT Professionals NZ
0800 252 255 - info@itp.nz - www.itp.nz
NZTech
(09) 475 0204 - info@nztech.org.nz - www.nztech.org.nz

Progression and specialisations

Scrum masters may progress to become: 

  • senior scrum masters who work with multiple teams at the same time, or with more demanding teams and products
  • Agile coaches, who train teams in using Agile methodologies
  • information technology managers, who plan and supervise the IT services in an organisation or technical team.

 

Working conditions

Scrum masters:

  • usually work full time and may work evenings
  • may travel locally to meet clients.

Physical Requirements

Scrum masters spend a lot of time using computers, so they need to know how to use computer equipment properly to avoid occupational overuse syndrome (OOS).

Useful personal qualities

Scrum masters need to have: 

  • good communication skills
  • strong planning and organising skills
  • the ability to solve problems creatively
  • excellent leadership skills
  • the ability to build relationships and resolve conflicts
  • a strong interest in mentoring people.

Related Wintec courses

Industry

Information Technology

Scrum masters use the scrum software development approach to keep IT project teams on track. They also help remove obstacles to progress. 

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