We use cookies to improve and customise your experience, for analytics and metrics, and to track any purchases you make both on this website and on others. To find out more about the cookies we use see our cookie policy
More info
- Help leaders and team work more collaboratively and improve their productivity
- You'll learn about how to apply the 'agile' methodology and coach others on its use
- There are opportunities to work within one organisation or work for yourself across multiple projects
Agile is essentially a type of project management technique, but it has become so successful in recent years that a range of specific roles in applying this technique have become specific career paths.
You may also read about 'Scrum Masters' in relation to this role. Scrum masters lead teams engaged in rapid design or development projects called 'sprints', so you might progress from being a scrum master into becoming an agile coach where you'll oversee the application of the agile methodology across an organisation or a part of an organisation.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Coaching, mentoring and training teams on visualisation techniques, one-on-one or in a group.
- Supporting product management and product owners
- Scrutinising an organisation's technical processes (IT and non-IT domains)
- Helping solve conflicts and complex problems, facilitating technical discussions
- Helping a team with decision-making
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
Agile coaches work either as freelancers or as part of an organisation to coach teams to work on projects and products using something called the 'agile' methodology - which focuses on rapid, iterative development.
As an agile coach you'll normally work across an organisation, supporting leaders and teams to develop their knowledge of the agile methodology and apply it within their organisation.
You'll need
Most agile coaches move into this field after working in a related area like product management, software development, project management, or leadership development.
You'll need to build up a good understanding of the 'agile' method, and you'll need excellent people and presentation skills, an analytical approach, and the willingness and ability to adapt and learn.
There are a range of providers who offer specialist courses in this area which will help you gain the skills you need and to become a certified coach. You could start by becoming a Scrum Alliance Certified Enterprise Coach (CEC), then move on to becoming an
ICAgile Certified Professional.
CAREER PROSPECTS
Agile coaches can be well paid and have the ability to work across a range of projects, so this can be an interesting and rewarding role.