CEO of Career Karma
Ruben Harris
Ruben Harris embarked on an unconventional journey from music to tech entrepreneurship. Initially passionate about music, he played the cello for 30 years. However, his cello teacher advised him to explore business to enhance his musical career. Driven by this advice, Ruben took an unexpected turn into investment banking.
Breaking into the finance world wasn’t easy. Despite lacking connections, Ruben devoured resources like Brian DeChesare’s Mergers & Inquisitions blog and the Breaking into Wall Street course. He sent 300 emails to programs like SEO Scholars and Management Leadership for Tomorrow. Setting up an SEO booth at Morehouse College, he connected with recruiters from BMO Capital Markets. In 2011, Ruben joined BMO as an analyst.
Yet, Ruben’s heart was set on tech and Silicon Valley. He met his eventual Career Karma co-founders, Artur Meyster and Tim Meyster, in Atlanta. While the Meyster brothers took the bootcamp route, Ruben’s journey was less straightforward. Networking with venture capitalists on Twitter, he caught the attention of Balaji Srinivasan. Ruben continued building relationships in Silicon Valley, finding mentors like Naithan Jones.
From there, Ruben transitioned to AltSchool, where he worked under Jane Yu, Head of Partnerships & Philanthropy. Although there were no open roles, Jane offered him a contract position for a 6-week project. Just three weeks after moving to San Francisco on a one-way ticket, Ruben joined AltSchool. His journey eventually culminated in the creation of Career Karma in 2018.
Career Karma, a platform that assists people in breaking into the tech industry, became Ruben’s legacy. His relentless hustle paid off: Career Karma secured a $10 million Series A led by Garry Tan in 2020 and a $40 million Series B in 2022. Ruben’s story is a testament to an outsider’s ability to thrive in Silicon Valley through determination and hard work.
Ruben Harris’s journey exemplifies the power of resilience, networking, and unwavering commitment to one’s goals.
References:
“How Ruben Harris Built Career Karma From the Ground Up”
“Work in Progress Episode 173 - Rubén Harris, Career Karma CEO and founder”:
Business Profile and Contact Information:
“176: Career Karma with Ruben Harris” (Greater Than Code Podcast):