I know some, out here are also starting this step like me, but all what we need is a guid to continue, it will be of a great deed if you will be available to help the newbies by reading this thread....
Keep learning, keep trying, and keep asking questions; you will get to the right path with others.
Put merit hunting and consideration aside for now and learn the basic things you need.
@ Davidvictorson has provided you with some links that will guide you to almost all what you need to know about this forum and how to go about getting started and ranking up.
Avoid plagiarism it is a crime in the forum that will directly lead you to ban.