What is Agile?
Agile is a project management and software development mindset that focuses on delivering value by incorporating customer feedback throughout the lifecycle of a project throughout each iteration. This strategic mindset can improve the processes and help organisations develop new products and successfully bring products to market.
While initially starting in the software development industry, Agile is now being applied to almost any organisation that works with project management. The mindset enables teams to promptly respond and adapt to changing requirements and customer feedback.
The concept of Agile project management focuses on working in small batches, visualising processes to create transparency, collaborating, working with customers and getting feedback as soon as possible.
The key to successfully implementing Agile is to embrace an attitude of continuous improvement. Experiment with various practises and have open, honest conversations with your team about them. Keep the ones that work, and throw out the ones that don't.
Why work in Agile?
It’s a bit misleading to talk about one Agile methodology, because there are really several (Scrum, XP, Lean and Kanban are the most popular flavours of Agile). And each framework has multiple roles within it: you can become a Scrum Master, a Product Owner, a Developer, an Enterprise Agile Coach, or an Iteration Manager. Agile is a broad, multi-purpose discipline. It’s also future-proof. Randstad found that 68% of employers believe the majority of the workforce will be working with Agile by 2025.
Here are some careers that draw on Agile methodologies:
- Scrum Master
- Product Developer
- UX Designer
- Marketing Manager
- Agile Coach
- User Experience Researcher
5 reasons to learn Agile
It’s in demand
The future is looking bright for Agile. It’s estimated that 97% of companies are already using Agile methodologies in some capacity, and SEEK is projecting 12% job growth over the next five years. Demand for Agile professionals shows no signs of slowing down.
It pays well
As demand increases, so do salaries, and Agile careers tend to pay quite well. Product Owners in Australia can expect to earn $131,000 per annum, while Scrum Masters benchmark around $105,000. Agile Coaches can even earn upwards of $173,000 per annum.
It opens doors
Agile is often a great bridge for developers looking to branch into project management, and most IT job descriptions these days require at least some Agile experience. Learning Agile methodologies is a great way to supercharge your resume and climb the company ladder.
It’s flexible
You don’t have to work in software development to get some benefit from Agile. Marketers can use it to coordinate campaigns. UX Designers can test customer journeys more efficiently. Anyone who collaborates with others can profit from Agile training.
It’s experimental
If you’re looking for a career that lets you try new things, Agile might be a good fit. Experimentation, creativity and unorthodox thinking are hard-coded into Agile. It’s a discipline built on the idea that there are better ways of doing things.
Agile careers
There are two ways of looking at Agile careers. You can either choose to specialise in Agile itself (as a Scrum Master, Agile Coach or Product Owner). Or you can learn Agile to complement your skillset elsewhere: perhaps in digital marketing, project management, UX design, web development, user research or customer experience management. The applications for Agile are theoretically endless, which is good news for those looking to upskill.
Here are just a few Agile-related careers you might consider:
- Scrum Master | $105,000
- Product Designer | $97,000
- UX Designer | $102,000
- Marketing Manager | $99,000
- Agile Coach | $173,000
- Product Owner | $131,000
How to learn Agile for beginners
RMIT Online’s curriculum is purpose-built for online study, and you don’t need any special skills to get started. Each unit combines interactive webinars, 1-on-1 tutorials, group work and practical tasks. We built these courses alongside some of the best Agile coaches and project managers in Australia.
Here’s an idea of what you’ll need.
- Commitment. Our course is divided into bite-sized chunks and designed to fit around your schedule. We recommend studying a few hours every day to stay committed and on-track.
- Notes. Your RMIT Online mentors will encourage you to take lots of notes. It’s a good way to flag any potential problems.
- Collaboration. As part of your course, you’ll be working with qualified Agile professionals. You’ll also have access to an online peer community.
- Knowledge. Agile best-practice changes over time. We’ll help you stay up-to-date with the latest methodologies.
- Resources. RMIT Online will provide plenty of great Agile resources. These tools can be used during the course, or even after completion.
Learn about Agile
Ready to learn Agile? This is the best place to start. Read as much as you can. Ask questions. Contact one of our RMIT Online course counsellors. You can find all our Agile news and coverage below.
Agile blogs
Want to read more about Agile? Check out out blogs, podcasts and videos below from the RMIT Online blog.
Why agile isn’t just for tech teams anymore
6 Military Principles That Can Work For Agile Teams
Watch: Meet the Mentor - Gabor Devenyi, Agile Coach
The Pickle EPISODE 3: Agile may be the last thing your business needs with Nigel Dalton, REA Group
RMIT Online Agile courses
RMIT Online is one of Australia’s top Agile training providers. We offer a range of Agile courses and qualifications, depending on your career goals and experience. You can learn Agile online, at your own pace, with plenty of support from expert mentors.
Topics and courses similar to Agile
Want to broaden your CV? Match your Agile training with a related RMIT Online course. We offer credentials and qualifications in UX & UI design, software development, customer experience strategy and product management.
