MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: NICK RUBIN

Could you tell us who you are and what it is that you do?

My name is Nick Rubin and I run Rubin Academics, a solo-venture tutoring company. I mostly help high school students with standardized tests, but I also help with coursework, along with essay and paper development and editing.

What do you love most about the work?

I love working with motivated students one-on-one, helping them solve problems and reach their goals. I also love that as a tutor I’m not the students’ adjudicator/grader, but their coach/teammate. Finally, I love working for myself.

How did you arrive at this profession?  What’s your backstory?

I came to Charlottesville to study in UVA’s Music Department, and graduated in 2010 with a Ph.D. (It’s not a performance degree, but, fun fact: I play in a band called New Boss, and our bandleader Thomas Dean designed and printed the rock show posters hanging throughout Studio IX!) After a decade of adjuncting and chasing the elusive tenure-track job, I wanted to try making something happen on my own. Having enjoyed tutoring in the past, it was an appealing plan B, and I started Rubin Academics a few months before Covid hit.

Have there been any light switch moments (personal and/or professional) that have influenced your path and career thus far?

I’m cautious to a fault (yes, a Libra), so “light switches” act more like slow-rising dimmers, which is why it took me so long to get this business started. But lots of my friends here in town are rad, smart, talented people taking the initiative to do cool things their own way, so that has definitely been an ever-present influence and inspiration.

Could you share a memorable story from your professional path thus far?

It’s been a pretty straightforward and workaday gig so far, and nothing really stands out. But in the thinking/planning stages, I got a ton of useful advice and ideas from friends – they seemed as excited about the potential as I was.

What's on the horizon? What are you currently working on, excited about, looking forward to?

I’m hoping to add services that I can provide during school hours, when students are…in school. Also looking to expand the writing instruction aspect, and eventually, offer GRE prep. But the nature of the business is that I’m always just trying to replenish the lineup as students move on.

How has your experience at Studio IX been?

It’s my first shared-workspace experience, and it’s been wonderful: lots of friendly and cheerful faces; great location; hassle-free parking. The JBird Supply folks bring a great vibe to the café. And Greg patiently endures all my interruptions to talk music. So glad I found IX!