Homestead Careers and Pathways Newsletter

Career Focus Information

Further Job Spotlights can be found on our Careers News > Careers Spotlights google sites page.

In this Issue:

How to become a Scrum Master

How to become a Publisher

 

At the bottom of this page is a list of careers listed in previous issues.

How to become a Scrum Master

Scrum masters lead teams using Scrum frameworks when working on complex projects that can change a lot during their progress. They manage communications between team members and departments, increase productivity and accountability, and remove obstacles and distractions to ensure projects stay on track and are completed on time.

If you have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, are a great problem-solver, and you’re looking for a job that will be varied and challenging, then a career as a scrum master could be highly rewarding.

What skills do I need as a scrum master? 

  • Knowledge of Scrum theory
  • Strong communicator
  • Great team worker
  • Effective coach & mentor
  • Adaptable & organised
  • Excellent problem-solver
  • Creative & critical thinker
  • Strong time management

What does the job involve? 

  • Determining project goals & timelines
  • Splitting up projects into “sprints”
  • Ensuring flow of information between teams
  • Organising regular meetings
  • Mentoring others on agile processes
  • Solving problems & conflicts within teams
  • Motivating team members who are stuck
  • Reporting on project progress

What industries do scrum masters typically work in? 

  • Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
  • Public Administration & Safety
  • Financial & Insurance Services

What Career Cluster do scrum masters belong to? 

Scrum masters are typically strong Coordinators, skilled at strategic planning, leading teams, and keeping things organised.

They also share some traits with the Informer Cluster, using their skills to guide and mentor other people.

What kind of lifestyle can I expect? 

Scrum masters can work in lots of different industries, from retail and construction to finance and IT. Roles are generally office-based as you’ll need to meet with people and be on-hand to help out at all times.

You can expect to earn an above average salary throughout your career.

There are very few part-time opportunities for scrum masters. Most of your work will be done during regular business hours, but there’s a high probability you may have to work overtime to overcome problems and meet tight deadlines.

How to become a scrum master 

There are no formal qualification requirements to become a scrum master, but without lots of relevant work experience and some form of recognised certification, you might find it difficult to be successful applying for these roles.

  • Finish high school with English and Maths. Taking business and IT subjects may also be helpful.
  • Consider completing a relevant tertiary qualification, typically in project management or business.
  • Work in a business environment and gain lots of relevant experience and insight into project management.
  • Complete workshops, short courses, or certified training in Scrum frameworks or agile delivery.

What can I do right now to work towards this career? 

If you’re in high school and you’d like to find out if becoming a scrum master is right for you, here are a few things you could do right now:

  • Volunteer as a mentor and get involved with any coaching and training opportunities. You’ll develop your interpersonal and communication skills, as well as develop an awareness of your own mentoring style.
  • Find work experience in a project management setting.
  • Read up about what scrum masters do, watch videos about the processes they manage, or talk to a scrum master about what a day in their life is like.

Where can I find more information? 

Similar careers to scrum master 

 

How to become a Publisher

Publishers plan and oversee the printing and distribution of written materials, including books, magazines, newspapers, and articles. They act as the bridge between writers and the public, making their work accessible and promoting it.

If you have a creative streak and eye for business, and you are persistent and an excellent communicator, then a career as a publisher could be worth exploring.

 

What skills do I need as a publisher? 

  • Good attention to detail
  • Organised & efficient
  • Great time management
  • Excellent communicator
  • Diplomatic & fair
  • Great collaborator
  • Digitally literate
  • Adaptable & flexible

What does the job involve? 

  • Liaising with writers & editors
  • Making final checks to works
  • Negotiating contracts & deals
  • Collaborating with designers & printers
  • Preparing promotional materials
  • Keeping track of timelines & budgets
  • Organising & attend publicity events
  • Managing relationships with vendors

What industries do publishers typically work in? 

  • Arts & Recreation Services
  • Information Media & Telecommunications
  • Professional, Scientific & Technical Services

What Career Cluster do publishers belong to? 

Publishers are primarily Linkers, passionate about connecting books with readers. They essentially act as a "link" between the author and the reader - without a publisher, authors might struggle to have their work found, while readers might struggle to find books they love.

They also use some skills from the Coordinator Cluster, particularly when it comes to managing schedules and budgets.

 

What kind of lifestyle can I expect? 

As a publisher, you can expect most of your work to be done during regular business hours, but you might work some overtime to meet deadlines. Most publishers work full-time, but there are occasionally opportunities for part-time work too.

Most publishers earn an average wage over the course of their careers.

A lot of your work will be done indoors, either in an office environment or potentially even from home.

 

How to become a publisher 

While formal qualifications aren't strictly necessary to work in publishing, they can boost your employability. Work experience and internships are both highly regarded, and are a great way to make connections for future potential job opportunities.

  • Finish high school with a focus on English and Maths.
  • Consider completing a relevant tertiary qualification, typically in communications or arts.
  • If possible, undertake an internship with a publishing house. If not, find entry-level jobs and start building your practical experience and networks.
  • Think about specialising in a particular area of publishing. There are many to choose from, including: 
    • Advertising & Marketing
    • Contracts & Rights
    • Design
    • Distribution
    • Editing
    • Production & Printing
    • Sales
  • With enough experience, you might like to start your own publishing business.

What can I do right now to work towards this career? 

If you’re in high school and you’d like to find out if becoming a publisher is right for you, here are a few things you could do right now:

  • Find work experience with a publishing firm or other creative business to get a feel for what the industry is like and make important future contacts.
  • Do some research into the industry and think about which style of works you'd like to publish (e.g. fiction, non-fiction, magazines, etc.).
  • Talk to a publisher to see what their job involves. If you don’t know anyone, try to find videos or documentaries instead.

Where can I find more information? 

Similar careers to publisher 

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