By Sarah Morgan
Created for software development projects (though applicable to every project), Scrum’s Agile framework improves teamwork, communications and speed.
A study of more than 5,400 IT projects found that the average overspend of the starting budget can top 45% due to project overrun (amongst other factors). Learn about Scrum and you’ll avoid these deficits by improving the chance of completing projects successfully and on time.
 |
| Agile Product Ownership Processes - Firebrand Training |
Scrum courses and certifications are available but the benefits may not be immediately obvious. Whether you’re new to Scrum, or are already a Scrum Master – what are the real benefits of getting certified?
1. Get a solid base of Scrum knowledge
If you don’t know much about Scrum, achieving the certification will teach you everything you need to apply it effectively. Take a Scrum course and you’ll develop a strong base of knowledge and learn the subject from an experienced teacher.
Achieving a certification will also fill any gaps you might have in your Scrum knowledge. You’ll need to study every aspect of Scrum to pass the certification exam. The scrum certification will also give you the motivation and the tools to get the rounded knowledge you need.
2. Change your mindset
Scrum is an Agile methodology and to use it effectively you’ll need to get into an Agile mindset. The most important ingredient of a self-sustaining and successful Agile approach is people with this Agile mindset.
Training and certification helps to ingrain this mindset for yourself and your colleagues. As a team you’ll be able to think in an Agile way, leading to less disagreements, better team cohesion and more successful projects.
3. Stay relevant and marketable
Certifications are both a brilliant way of marketing yourself to employers and proving to colleagues that you fully understand a given field.
A Scrum certification will expand your career opportunities across all industry sectors that adopt and use Agile practices. A Scrum Master certification shows that you have an Agile mind set and a wealth of Agile knowledge – relevant to every organisation or industry that uses these practices.
4. Scrum certification benefits your organisation
It’s a big decision for organisations to adopt a new methodology because it affects every aspect of the business: people, processes, clients and management.
Because of this, it’s important for everyone that you can achieve some real and tangible benefits quickly. With predictable & repeatable release schedules, self-managing teams, Scrum really shines in this respect.
However, a lack of Scrum knowledge may not yield the promising results that management will be pushing for. Without certification and the requisite knowledge you’ll gain, you might miss that crucial window to get Scrum off the ground within your organisation.
5. Influence your organisation to adopt an Agile methodology
Management will feel more comfortable investing in an Agile methodology if there are proven Agile professionals amongst them. A certification shows management that you’re ready to implement an Agile methodology.
6. Work better alongside your peers
Training and certification will have a positive effect when it comes to working with your colleagues. Get certified with those you work with and together you’ll build and reinforce the same vocabulary and base understanding of scrum.
Even if you don’t attend the same Scrum course as your colleagues, you’ll still benefit. Every Scrum instructor will vary in their style of teaching and what you learn will differ. You may have focused on aspects of Scrum that your peers didn’t. In the end, you’ll be able to pool your knowledge for a more varied understanding of Scrum and Agile methodology.
7. Prove your core Scrum knowledge to peers
Scrum Master Certification proves to your peers that you’ve put in the effort, studied Scrum and learnt to apply it within your organisation. There’s no need to waste time convincing colleagues you know your stuff – you have the certification to prove it.
8. Join a community of scrum experts
Become a certified Scrum Master and you’ll join a community of recognised Scrum experts committed to continuous improvement and the Agile methodology.
Scrum.org features a global network of Scrum practitioners and trainers. This active community serves as a library of knowledge, a way to find live events and a place find (and provide) guidance.
9. Win projects with qualified employees
If you compete to win projects, a team of certified Scrum Masters is a huge bonus. Your potential clients will recognise the value of a team that can both work together and apply Scrum in an effective way.
10. A badge of honour
Certification is a badge of honour that should be worn with pride. Plus, if you’re in management, getting your employees trained and certified proves your investment and commitment to their learning. You’ll get more knowledgeable staff eager to apply their new skills.
Time to get certified
To find out more about the global Scrum community and for more details on the Agile methodology, head over to scrum.org.
Related articles:
- Best IT certifications for 2015
- What is Agile Product Ownership and how does it work? SCRUM
- How to stay ahead: IT skills you'll need in 2015
About the Author:
Sarah writes for Firebrand Training on a number of IT related topics. This includes exams, training, certification trends, project management, certification, careers advice and the industry itself. Sarah has 11 years of experience in the IT industry.
ليست هناك تعليقات:
إرسال تعليق