> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://career-karma.gitbook.io/learn/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://career-karma.gitbook.io/learn/master.md).

# Getting Started

*"You should never learn how to code in isolation"* -Career Karma team

## Welcome to Career Karma!

**Learning how to code can be tricky.**

*Our goal is to help you discover YOUR shortest path to a software engineering job.*

**There are thousands of tutorials online and you have to figure out which one to take.**

*We will show you specific resources and tutorials your peers completed who became software engineers.*

**You might be learning to code alone or struggling to manage your time.**

*We'll connect you to your peers who will keep you accountable, help you manage your schedule and help you get unstuck.*

## How to use this guide:

This guide is organized into three phases each serving a different purpose. We encourage you to go through each phase in this particular order but you can skip a phase if you already know it.

**Phase 1: Join a Community** 

Introduction to stories of people who came from non-traditional backgrounds and transitioned successfully into software engineering roles. This will help you discover and determine your own unique path.

**Phase 2: Research Educational Programs** 

Introduce you to the skills you need to become a software engineer and how to acquire them. You will be exposed to numerous coding bootcamps; part-time, remote, financing options and complimentary prep courses.

**Phase 3: Create Your Roadmap** 

By the end of this phase you will assemble all the puzzle pieces needed to create a roadmap. Now each hour or two a night can go towards getting to your destination.

(**Note:** If you would like to join CK's Peer Circles, you noticed a typo or would like to contribute to this document, reach out to Timur directly[ timur@careerkarma.io](mailto:timur@careerkarma.io) ) 

![Career Karma & Breaking Into Startups Founders](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/25531425/45248567-6c4cab00-b2c7-11e8-8d86-0b31633c2763.jpg)