by The Applications Administrator | Feb 28, 2023 | Agile Methodology
Are you ready to take your Scrum game to the next level? Look no further than the latest webcasts from Scrum.org, the home of Scrum! Whether you’re a seasoned Scrum professional or just getting started, these engaging and informative webcasts are designed to help you expand your knowledge and improve your skills. From engaging stakeholders and management with Evidence-Based Management (EBM) to discovering how to complement Scrum with additional practices, tools, and frameworks, there’s something for everyone.
So, why wait? Get ready to dive deep into the world of Scrum and take your Agile journey to new heights! With the guidance of experienced Scrum trainers, you’ll learn new strategies, gain fresh insights, and develop the skills you need to succeed as a Scrum Master. Whether you’re looking to improve communication, boost collaboration, or enhance your team’s performance, these webcasts are the perfect way to get started.
So, what are you waiting for? Sign up for the latest webcasts from Scrum.org and join the ranks of the most successful and innovative Scrum professionals in the industry! With cutting-edge training and expert guidance, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your goals and making a real impact in your organization. Get ready to take your Scrum journey to the next level!

Upcoming Webcasts
At Scrum.org, we have two webcast series that can help you continue your learning. ScrumPulse is an educational webcast series designed to help those new to Scrum and those with experience learn and improve.
We also offer an Ask a Professional Scrum Trainer™ series, which is a live interactive session where you can bring your toughest Scrum questions and challenges! Below is the listing of the webcasts we have coming up soon!
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Thursday
March 16
10:00 AM EDT
(14:00 UTC)

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Wednesday
March 22
11:00 AM EDT
(15:00 UTC)

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Tuesday
March 28
11:00 AM EDT
(15:00 UTC)

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Engaging Stakeholders and Management with Evidence-Based Management (EBM)
In this webinar, Todd Miller, Professional Scrum Trainer and Patricia Kong, Product Owner – Enterprise Agility at Scrum.org will walk you through concepts you can use to develop your own measurement dashboard that you can use to proactively engage upper management and stakeholders about the value of your product and the capability of your team(s).
Read More
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Wednesday
April 5
11:00 AM EDT
(15:00 UTC)

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Ask a Professional Scrum Trainer – Jay Rahman – Answering your Burning Scrum Questions
The Scrum.org Ask a Professional Scrum Trainer series features Professional Scrum Trainers (PSTs) in a live session, answering your most pressing questions regarding the challenges and situations your Scrum Teams are facing. In this live session of Ask a Professional Scrum Trainer, PST Jay Rahman will be available to answer your burning questions about Scrum and the challenges you or your teams have.
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Wednesday
April 26
11:00 AM EDT
(14:00 UTC)

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by The Applications Administrator | Feb 17, 2023 | General Knowledge
In today’s fast-paced business environment, the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively across business units is becoming increasingly important. With the rise of Agile, DevOps, and Scrum methodologies, teams are working more closely together than ever before, and the need for clear and effective communication has never been greater. The role of the Application Administrator is particularly critical in this regard, as they often act as the bridge between IT, security, and management, ensuring that everyone is on the same page.
However, achieving effective communication and collaboration across business units can be a challenging task, especially when dealing with different teams, departments, and cultures. To succeed, it is essential to understand the unique needs, perspectives, and goals of each unit, as well as the key challenges and roadblocks that arise during the communication and collaboration process.
In this article, we will explore the key principles and best practices for building bridges and fostering effective communication and collaboration across business units. We will discuss the importance of clear communication, stakeholder engagement, and proactive problem-solving, as well as the benefits of fostering a culture of collaboration and trust. Whether you are an Application Administrator or a member of any other team, the insights and strategies shared in this article will help you to build stronger relationships, work more efficiently, and achieve your goals more effectively.
Understanding Your Audience
To effectively communicate and collaborate, it is essential to understand the needs, goals, and perspectives of the different business units involved.
The first step in understanding your audience is to familiarize yourself with each business unit’s function, responsibilities, and challenges. This knowledge can help you tailor your communication style to meet the specific needs of each unit and ensure that your message is received and understood. Additionally, it is important to understand the language and terminology used by each unit and to be aware of any cultural or organizational differences that may impact communication.
Another key aspect of understanding your audience is to identify the key decision-makers and influencers within each unit. These individuals play a crucial role in shaping the goals and priorities of their unit and can provide valuable insights into how best to communicate and collaborate with them. Building relationships with these individuals can help you better understand their needs and perspectives and can foster a more productive and efficient collaboration process.
Finally, it is important to actively listen and engage with each business unit to ensure that you are fully understanding their needs and perspectives. This can include regular meetings, open forums, and other opportunities for dialogue and collaboration. By actively seeking feedback and input from each business unit, you can build trust and create a more effective collaboration process.
Establishing a Shared Vision
When it comes to effective communication and collaboration across business units, having a shared vision is key. This vision should be centered around the overall goals of the organization and how each business unit can contribute to its success. In order to establish this vision, it is important to involve representatives from all relevant business units in the discussion. This allows everyone to have a clear understanding of what is expected of them and how their work fits into the bigger picture.
When establishing a shared vision, it is also important to be transparent about the challenges and limitations each business unit may face. This allows for open and honest discussion about how to overcome these challenges and find solutions that work for everyone. By working together to establish a shared vision, each business unit can feel more connected and invested in the success of the organization as a whole.
It is also important to keep the shared vision up-to-date and relevant as the needs of the organization change. Regular check-ins and discussions can help ensure that everyone is still aligned and working towards the same goals. This can also help to identify any areas where the vision may need to be adjusted or updated.
Having a shared vision provides a foundation for effective communication and collaboration across business units. By working together to establish and maintain this vision, each business unit can feel more connected and invested in the success of the organization as a whole.
Effective Communication
Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful collaboration, and there are several key elements that should be considered.
First and foremost, it’s important to understand the communication styles and preferences of each business unit. Some may prefer email or instant messaging, while others might prefer face-to-face meetings or video conferencing. Knowing the preferred communication methods of each team can help ensure that messages are effectively conveyed and received.
Another important aspect of effective communication is setting clear expectations. This includes outlining the purpose of each communication, who should be involved, and what the desired outcome is. This helps to ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards a common goal.
In addition, active listening is essential for effective communication. This means paying attention to what others are saying, asking clarifying questions, and being open to feedback. This can help to foster a more collaborative environment, as each business unit feels heard and valued.
Finally, it’s important to be transparent and honest in communication. This means being clear about any challenges or roadblocks, and working together to find solutions. This builds trust and helps to ensure that everyone is working towards the same end goal. By following these key principles of effective communication, business units can work together seamlessly and achieve great results.
Collaborative Problem-Solving
Collaboration is at the heart of successful projects, and it is essential to bring different perspectives and skill sets together to find solutions to complex problems. In this section, we will explore the steps to take to create a collaborative problem-solving environment and how to turn challenges into opportunities.
One key to effective collaboration is to create an environment where all parties feel heard and valued. This means taking the time to listen to each other, understand each other’s perspectives, and identify common goals. Encouraging open and honest communication will foster a sense of trust and respect, which is essential when working on challenging problems.
Another key to effective collaboration is to have a clear process in place for problem-solving. This can include defining the problem, generating potential solutions, evaluating those solutions, and implementing the best one. It is also important to have a shared understanding of the criteria for evaluating solutions and to involve all relevant parties in the process.
In order to ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goal, it is also essential to establish clear roles and responsibilities. This can include assigning a lead problem-solver, establishing a timeline, and setting expectations for participation. By taking these steps, you can ensure that the collaborative problem-solving process is effective and efficient.
Finally, it is important to recognize and celebrate successes. When teams work together to solve problems, it can be easy to focus solely on the challenges. However, taking the time to acknowledge and celebrate successes can help to build morale, foster a positive working environment, and encourage continued collaboration. By building bridges between business units through effective communication and collaborative problem-solving, you can create a more productive and successful organization.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, effective communication and collaboration across business units is essential for the success of any organization. By understanding your audience, establishing a shared vision, utilizing effective communication, and engaging in collaborative problem-solving, you can build bridges and foster a positive and productive work environment. These strategies can lead to increased efficiency, improved decision-making, and a better overall work experience for everyone involved. By making a concerted effort to prioritize communication and collaboration, you can help to break down barriers and promote a more united and successful organization.
by The Applications Administrator | Feb 13, 2023 | Agile Methodology
Continuing education is crucial for professional growth in any field, including Scrum and Agile. In the world of Agile and Scrum, taking courses and attending workshops is an excellent way to stay up-to-date with the latest practices, techniques, and tools. Here are some of the latest free professional Scrum classes available in February 2023:
- Applying Professional Scrum – This course teaches participants the basics of Scrum and how to apply Scrum principles and practices to real-world projects.
- Professional Agile Leadership – This class is designed for Agile leaders who want to learn how to effectively lead and motivate their teams in an Agile environment.
- Scaled Professional Scrum – This course focuses on scaling Scrum to accommodate large and complex projects. Participants will learn how to apply Scrum at scale to improve project outcomes.
- Professional Scrum with Kanban – This class teaches participants how to effectively integrate Scrum with Kanban to create a more efficient and flexible Agile process.
Attending these courses can benefit your job, career, and improve your team’s Agile and Scrum experience in several ways. Firstly, it helps to keep your knowledge and skills up-to-date, allowing you to better serve your team and organization. Secondly, it helps to expand your network and connect with other professionals in the industry. Finally, continuing education can help to boost your confidence and credibility, making you a more valuable asset to your team and organization.
In conclusion, taking advantage of free professional Scrum classes is a great way to enhance your skills, knowledge, and career in the Agile and Scrum world. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn from expert trainers and improve your team’s Agile and Scrum experience.
Upcoming Professional Scrum™ Training Classes
Find a class and location near you or search for more classes. Contact us if you don’t find what you are looking for or would like a private class for your organization.

22-Feb – 24-Feb
Taught by Jason Malmstadt
Live Virtual Class from America/Chicago from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
23-Feb – 24-Feb
Taught by Eric Landes
Live Virtual Class from America/Indiana/Indianapolis from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
23-Feb – 24-Feb
Taught by John Riley
Live Virtual Class from America/New York from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
27-Feb – 01-Mar
Taught by Jason Malmstadt
Live Virtual Class from America/Chicago from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
28-Feb – 02-Mar
Taught by Chris Belknap
Live Virtual Class from America/New York from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM


18-Feb – 19-Feb
Taught by Scott Adams
Live Virtual Class from America/Denver from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
20-Feb – 21-Feb
Taught by Jason Malmstadt
Live Virtual Class from America/New York from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
23-Feb – 24-Feb
Taught by Robert Pieper
Live Virtual Class from America/New York from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
24-Feb – 24-Mar
Taught by Chris Belknap
Live Virtual Class from America/New York from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
25-Feb – 26-Feb
Taught by Mary Iqbal
Live Virtual Class from America/Chicago from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
20-Feb – 21-Feb
Taught by Gregory Crown
Live Virtual Class from America/New York from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
21-Feb – 22-Feb
Taught by Russell Miller
Live Virtual Class from America/New York from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
25-Feb – 26-Feb
Taught by Scott Adams
Live Virtual Class from America/New York from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
11-Mar – 12-Mar
Taught by Mary Iqbal
Live Virtual Class from America/Chicago from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
14-Mar – 16-Mar
Taught by Ashish Mehra
Live Virtual Class from America/New York from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM


21-Feb – 22-Feb
Taught by Ty Crockett
In Person Class in Austin, TX
23-Feb – 24-Feb
Taught by Chuck Suscheck
Live Virtual Class from America/New York from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
23-Feb – 24-Feb
Taught by Gregory Crown
Live Virtual Class from America/Los Angeles from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
27-Feb – 28-Feb
Taught by Maarten Kossen
Live Virtual Class from America/New York from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
27-Feb – 28-Feb
Taught by Robert Pieper
Live Virtual Class from America/New York from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM


23-Feb – 24-Feb
Taught by Russell Miller
Live Virtual Class from America/New York from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
13-Mar – 14-Mar
Taught by Chad Beier and Jeff Bubolz
Live Virtual Class from America/Chicago from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
05-Apr – 06-Apr
Taught by Chad Beier and Jeff Bubolz
Live Virtual Class from America/Chicago from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
18-Apr – 19-Apr
Taught by Blake McMillan
Live Virtual Class from America/Chicago from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
24-Apr – 25-Apr
Taught by Chad Beier and Jeff Bubolz
Live Virtual Class from America/Chicago from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

05-Apr – 07-Apr
Taught by John Riley
Live Virtual Class from America/New York from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
05-Apr – 07-Apr
Taught by Eric Landes
Live Virtual Class from America/Chicago from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
24-May – 26-May
Taught by John Riley
Live Virtual Class from America/New York from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM


06-Mar – 07-Mar
Taught by Chuck Suscheck
Live Virtual Class from America/New York from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
14-Mar – 15-Mar
Taught by Michael Wallace
Live Virtual Class from America/Chicago from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM


16-Feb – 17-Feb
Taught by Gregory Crown
Live Virtual Class from America/New York from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
13-Mar – 16-Mar
Taught by Mark Wavle
Live Virtual Class from America/New York from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
16-Mar – 17-Mar
Taught by Gregory Crown
Live Virtual Class from America/New York from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
20-Mar – 23-Mar
Taught by Artsem Lashchonau
Live Virtual Class from America/New York from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
23-Mar – 24-Mar
Taught by Ryan Ripley and Todd Miller
Live Virtual Class from America/New York from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM


02-Mar – 03-Mar
Taught by Stephanie Ockerman
Live Virtual Class from America/New York from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
09-Mar
Taught by Michael Wallace and Blake McMillan
Live Virtual Class from America/Chicago from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
18-Mar
Taught by Andreanna Marshall
Live Virtual Class from Pacific/Honolulu from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
22-Apr
Taught by Andreanna Marshall
Live Virtual Class from Pacific/Honolulu from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
12-May
Taught by Todd Miller and Ryan Ripley
Live Virtual Class from America/New York from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
18-May
Taught by Blake McMillan
Live Virtual Class from America/Chicago from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

16-Feb – 17-Feb
Taught by Todd Miller and Ryan Ripley, Daniel Vacanti
Live Virtual Class from America/New York from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
02-Mar – 03-Mar
Taught by Eric Landes
Live Virtual Class from America/Indiana/Indianapolis from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
07-Mar – 09-Mar
Taught by Ashish Mehra
Live Virtual Class from America/New York from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
07-Mar – 08-Mar
Taught by Michael Wallace
Live Virtual Class from America/Chicago from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
16-Mar – 17-Mar
Taught by Eric Landes
Live Virtual Class from America/Indiana/Indianapolis from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM


08-Mar – 09-Mar
Taught by Chad Beier and Jeff Bubolz
Live Virtual Class from America/Chicago from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
22-Mar – 23-Mar
Taught by Chad Beier and Jeff Bubolz
Live Virtual Class from America/Chicago from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
19-Apr – 20-Apr
Taught by Chad Beier and Jeff Bubolz
Live Virtual Class from America/Chicago from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
09-May – 10-May
Taught by Ty Crockett
Live Virtual Class from America/Chicago from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM


16-Feb
Taught by Blake McMillan
Live Virtual Class from America/Chicago from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
22-Feb – 23-Feb
Taught by Scott Adams
Live Virtual Class from America/New York from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
23-Feb – 24-Feb
Taught by Chris Belknap
Live Virtual Class from America/New York from 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM
25-Feb
Taught by Andreanna Marshall
Live Virtual Class from America/Los Angeles from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
27-Feb
Taught by Stephanie Ockerman
Live Virtual Class from America/New York from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
06-Mar
Taught by John Riley
Live Virtual Class from America/New York from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

by The Applications Administrator | Feb 6, 2023 | Agile Methodology

The role of a Scrum Master is critical in Agile projects, as they are responsible for facilitating and guiding the team towards successful delivery. A Scrum Master must possess a unique combination of technical and leadership skills, making it a challenging but rewarding role. Yet, what many people don’t realize is that application administrators, with their technical expertise and problem-solving skills, often make excellent Scrum Masters.
In this article, we will explore why application administrators make such great Scrum Masters and how their background and skills can be leveraged in this role. We will also delve into what a Scrum Master is and their role in Agile projects. A Scrum Master is a facilitator who helps the team to work together effectively and efficiently to achieve project goals. They are responsible for ensuring that the team follows Agile principles and practices, and that the process remains focused and aligned with the project objectives. Whether you are an application administrator looking to make a career transition or simply interested in the role of a Scrum Master, this article will provide valuable insights and information to help you better understand this critical role in Agile projects.
Leveraging Technical Expertise: How Application Administrators Apply Their Technical Skills as Scrum Masters
As application administrators, individuals bring a wealth of technical expertise to the table that can greatly benefit their role as a Scrum Master. Their technical skills and knowledge of the systems and applications they support are critical assets in Agile projects, as they can be leveraged to improve processes, resolve technical issues, and drive project success.
One of the key ways that application administrators can leverage their technical skills as Scrum Masters is by using their expertise to improve Agile processes. For example, they can use their knowledge of the systems and applications to identify potential roadblocks and proactively implement solutions to prevent delays. They can also use their technical skills to streamline workflows and increase the efficiency of the team.
Moreover, the technical skills of application administrators are invaluable in resolving technical issues that may arise during a project. Their ability to diagnose and resolve issues quickly and effectively can help to minimize project disruptions and ensure that project delivery remains on track. For example, they can use their technical skills to troubleshoot issues with software or hardware and implement solutions to resolve them.
In summary, the technical skills of application administrators are a significant asset in their role as Scrum Masters. By leveraging their technical expertise, they can improve Agile processes, resolve technical issues, and drive project success. This is just one of the many reasons why application administrators make excellent Scrum Masters.
Navigating Challenges: How Application Administrators Use Their Problem-Solving Skills as Scrum Masters
Application administrators have a strong background in problem-solving, making them well-equipped to navigate the challenges that arise in Agile projects. As Scrum Masters, they can use this skill to help resolve project challenges and improve team performance.
One of the key responsibilities of a Scrum Master is to facilitate the resolution of project challenges and roadblocks. Application administrators, with their problem-solving skills, are well-equipped to handle these challenges effectively. For example, they can use their problem-solving skills to diagnose the root cause of a challenge and implement a solution that addresses it. They can also use their skills to facilitate discussions and decision-making processes to resolve complex issues.
In addition to resolving project challenges, problem-solving skills can also help to improve team performance. For example, application administrators can use their problem-solving skills to identify areas where the team can work more effectively and efficiently. They can then work with the team to develop and implement solutions that improve team performance.
In summary, application administrators bring a valuable background in problem-solving to the table as Scrum Masters. This skill can be leveraged to resolve project challenges, improve team performance, and drive project success. Whether you are an application administrator considering a career transition or simply interested in the role of a Scrum Master, this article provides valuable insights and information to help you better understand this important role in Agile projects.
Facilitating Collaboration: How Application Administrators Leverage Their Communication Skills as Scrum Masters
Application administrators have developed strong communication skills in their role, making them well-suited for the role of Scrum Master. In Agile projects, effective communication is critical for success, and application administrators can leverage their communication skills to facilitate collaboration and drive project outcomes.
As Scrum Masters, effective communication is key to ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned and working towards a common goal. Application administrators can use their communication skills to build and maintain relationships with team members, stakeholders, and other key players. They can facilitate discussions, clarify expectations, and ensure that everyone is on the same page. By effectively communicating with team members and stakeholders, they can help to build a collaborative and inclusive environment that fosters creativity and innovation.
Effective communication can also have a positive impact on project outcomes. For example, clear and concise communication can help to minimize misunderstandings and reduce the risk of delays. Effective communication can also help to build trust and establish a positive working relationship with team members and stakeholders. By leveraging their communication skills, application administrators can ensure that projects are delivered on time and to the desired quality standards.
In summary, application administrators bring a valuable set of communication skills to the role of Scrum Master. These skills are critical for ensuring effective collaboration and driving project success. Whether you are an application administrator considering a career transition or simply interested in the role of a Scrum Master, this article provides valuable insights and information to help you better understand this important role in Agile projects.
Navigating Change: How Application Administrators Apply Their Adaptability and Flexibility as Scrum Masters
Application administrators have developed a strong ability to adapt and be flexible, making them well-suited for the role of Scrum Master. In Agile projects, the ability to navigate change and embrace new ideas is essential for success, and application administrators can leverage their adaptability and flexibility to drive project outcomes.
As Scrum Masters, it is essential to be able to navigate changes and challenges in Agile projects. The role requires a willingness to embrace new ideas and explore new approaches to problem-solving. Application administrators, with their strong ability to adapt and be flexible, are well-equipped to handle these challenges effectively. They can use their adaptability to quickly adjust to changing circumstances and explore new solutions to problems.
Adaptability and flexibility can also have a positive impact on project outcomes. For example, being open to new ideas and approaches can help to drive innovation and creativity. By embracing change, application administrators can help to minimize the risk of delays and ensure that projects are delivered on time and to the desired quality standards.
In summary, application administrators bring a valuable set of adaptability and flexibility skills to the role of Scrum Master. These skills are essential for navigating changes and challenges in Agile projects and driving project success. Whether you are an application administrator considering a career transition or simply interested in the role of a Scrum Master, this article provides valuable insights and information to help you better understand this important role in Agile projects.
Bringing it All Together: Final Thoughts on the Application Administrator to Scrum Master Journey
In conclusion, the journey from application administrator to Scrum Master can be a rewarding one. With the right skills and approach, application administrators can leverage their technical expertise, problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and adaptability to excel in this role. By embracing change and fostering collaboration, they can help teams navigate challenges and drive project success.
The key points discussed in this article highlight the strengths that application administrators bring to the role of Scrum Master, and the opportunities for growth and advancement in this field. From their technical background to their communication skills, application administrators are well-suited to take on the challenges of leading Agile projects.
We encourage application administrators to consider making the transition to Scrum Master. With the right training and experience, this role can provide a wealth of opportunities for growth and advancement. Whether you are looking to expand your skill set, or simply seeking a new challenge, the role of Scrum Master can be an exciting and rewarding career path.
In summary, the journey from application administrator to Scrum Master is a valuable one, full of opportunities for growth, learning, and impact. If you are an application administrator seeking a new challenge, we encourage you to explore this role and see how you can bring your skills and expertise to the world of Agile project management.