Student Perspectives: Certified ScrumMaster certification creates a strong foundation for future careers
Kevin Sandler ('22) recieved a scholarship to offset the cost of becoming a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM). In his current role as a Distribution Analyst for Starbucks, Sandler uses the certification often.
Read more below from Kevin about the impact of this scholarship!
"The Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certification signifies to me a strong foundation in the Scrum framework and principles, which are widely employed to enhance team collaboration, flexibility, and project success. ScrumMaster certified individuals are equipped with skills to facilitate Agile practices, remove obstacles, and foster an environment conducive to development and continuous improvement.
As a Distribution Analyst for Starbucks, I support projects on our Distribution Operations and Solutions Enablement (DOSE) team. My focus is on ensuring our products make their way to our Starbucks stores smoothly. While my role might not seem directly tied to Scrum practices, the CSM certification has still played a pivotal role in shaping my approach to project management and problem-solving. Although I have not utilized Scrum in its entirety, the core concepts have offered valuable insights that I've integrated into my work:
- Adaptive Problem-Solving: The ScrumMaster certification instilled in me the importance of adaptive problem-solving and the need to iterate on solutions. This approach has been invaluable when addressing unforeseen challenges in project management.
- Effective Collaboration: The principles of collaboration, transparency, and open communication inherent in Scrum have helped me foster a collaborative environment within my project teams, ensuring alignment and shared goals.
- Continuous Improvement: The emphasis on continuous improvement in Scrum has guided me to consistently evaluate and optimize my project management strategies. This mindset has led to greater efficiency in our project execution.
- Agile Mindset: While I may not be employing Scrum practices directly, the agile mindset I gained from the certification encourages me to be adaptable, open to change, and responsive to evolving project needs.
Scholarships play a crucial role in nurturing talent and enabling individuals to pursue learning experiences that might otherwise be financially out of reach. The scholarship I received for the Certified ScrumMaster certification allowed me to gain expertise in an area that, even though not my primary focus, has significantly enriched my skill set and understanding of project management methodologies. It exemplifies the university's commitment to producing well-rounded professionals equipped to tackle diverse challenges in their careers.
The Certified ScrumMaster certification principles have undoubtedly influenced my approach to project management and contributed to my professional growth. The scholarship I received was a pivotal step in this journey, allowing me to broaden my horizons and become a more versatile and effective contributor to Starbucks as a whole."