Moving from Support to a Product role is an interesting and great career opportunity. But it sure has its challenges. Accomplishing that goal will require quite a bit of planning, prior knowledge of the industry, and additional leadership skills. A few of the more well-known ‘scrum based’ certifications such as Scrum
Product Owner (CSPO) or Certified Scrum Master (CSM) also help to understand how one runs the business in an Agile way.
According to a recent study conducted by LinkedIn, people holding an Agile certification have 25% more chances of being in a leadership position than those who have no such certification. In addition, The Scrum Alliance observed a 37% increase in the overall effectiveness and project completions of teams among certified members. Let us examine these certifications in greater depth and how they may be beneficial to you.
How Support Role Differs from Product Role
Support roles are those which are configured to assist in the professional delivery of services, helpdesk support, and the ongoing business service operations. The objective is to solve customer complaints that have been raised. In the process, large and complex issues will require good communication, empathy, and reasoned decision making.
On the other hand, product roles are performed concerning the vision, roadmaps and outcomes of the product. These activities are more sophisticated in nature and include more future-oriented thinking, engagement with stakeholders, and sustained multitasking on competing demands. It takes learning niche skill gaps such as strategic formulation and Agile techniques. Obtaining CSPO and CSM certifications would be very beneficial here..
Understand CSPO and CSM Certifications
CSPO (Certified Scrum Product Owner)
Through this CSPO certification training, participants learn to pay more attention to collaborating with stakeholders, defining the product vision, and creating the roadmap. It prepares professionals to effectively manage a product backlog by organizing, assigning priorities to modifications, and maximizing
value delivery.
Some of the benefits are stated below:
● Core Aspects: Backlog classification, stakeholder expectations, and
product value realization.
● Eligibility Criteria: No prerequisites; therefore, everyone can apply.
● Intended Audience: Product managers, business analysts, supervisors, and
Senior Professionals.
● Exam Structure: No examination is there, as a certificate is received after
completing a two-day training session.
The CSPO certification is particularly useful for those whose primary aim is to understand the technical aspects of product development and bridge the gap between business needs and development teams. It thoroughly scopes product ownership and assists professionals in productively relating themselves to the
efforts of the business.
CSM (Certified ScrumMaster)
The CSM certification course is particularly for professionals who aspire to lead Agile teams. It teaches how to implement Scrum processes and why it is important to ensure that there is collaboration among all stakeholders.
The most important highlights are:
● Focus Areas: Support the team, remove impediments, and follow the Agile practices.
● Eligibility Requirement: Working experience with Scrum is considered an advantage, though it is not compulsory.
● Target audience: This is best for Development and Testing Practitioners, Business Analysts, and hopeful Scrum Masters.
● Exam: During the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) examination, you have to complete 50 multiple-choice questions in a maximum of 60 minutes.
This CSM certification is designed for an experienced individual who understands
the impact of communication, teamwork, and conflict resolution on the performance of a team. This course content is best suited for people who wish to participate in supervisory roles and who want to achieve success together with the teamwork.
How to Select a Certification that Will Fit Your Change.
In order to choose between CSPO and CSM, your existing skills, dreams and passions are useful. Here is how you make that decision:
Evaluate your skills and experience:
● If you have customer management or strategic planning experience, CSPO would best fit you.
● If your speciality is in team management or process improvement, then CSM would very well suit you.
Specify your career goals :
● If you want to define the product vision and work with the relevant stakeholders, CSPO might be appropriate.
● If your objective is to foster Agile practices in teams, you need to work with CSM.
Interest in Strategy vs. Execution:
● CSPO would suit people who are interested in strategy and product lifecycle management.
● CSM works well with individuals who are great at the practical side of things and team management.
For example, if a professional moves to a product-related area, they will benefit greatly from CSPO because it teaches skills such as managing backlog or communicating with stakeholders. If, on the other hand, you are focused on Agile transformation or working with teams to make them more efficient, CSM might be a more useful certification.
Value of Certification in Career Shifts
A certification will help you gain additional knowledge and strengthen your career.
Here’s how:
● Increased Understanding of Agile: Certifications improve your understanding of Scrum frameworks and increase your adaptability and problem solving skills.
● Increased Credibility: They are proof and evidence of your skills, which
makes you more appealing to recruiters and employers.
● Networking Opportunities: Through certification programs, you network
with industry professionals and peers, which opens the possibility of being mentored and collaborating with others.
● Career Progression: Most employers tend to promote agile certified practitioners to senior positions more often, which increases their level of satisfaction and wealth.
For companies, certified practitioners tend to deliver better project results and
enhance team relations. This makes these certifications very popular.
Suggestions on Utilizing Certification During
Change of Career
● Taking Steps That Necessary: Join Agile teams or look for internships that are aligned with your certification for hands-on experience in the market.
● Making Your Certification Visible: Add your certification to your resume and LinkedIn profile to demonstrate your advancement and progress.
● Networking and Finding A Mentor: Join Scrum groups and get the help of seasoned Agile professionals for effective career growth.
● Self Development: Make sure you follow important changes in Agile and acquire certification for higher levels of proficiency.
If you follow these recommendations, you will make the best out of your certification and have an effortless transition in your job change.
As Final Thoughts
As one moves for the first time from product support to the product side, their skills and attitude will change, and selecting the right certification, CSPO or CSM, becomes important for everyone. Both are aimed at different career objectives, but allow the professional to learn Agile practices very well.
Shifting to a new position requires thorough consideration of your career goals and the optimal use of certifications. Above anything else, remember these certifications that can give you an edge in your career.
