Category: Customer Stories

  • Jacksonville State Instructor: Rubin Emerge a “Treasure” During COVID-19

    Jacksonville State Instructor: Rubin Emerge a “Treasure” During COVID-19

    Listen below to Amy Simon, a career prep instructor within the School of Business and Industry at Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama.

    During spring 2020, Emerge, our signature online learning platform, provided Simon with a reliable curriculum that both integrated into Canvas and taught her students critical professional development skills through asynchronous online exercises.

    We keep the learning going.

  • Michigan St. Engineering Student: Rubin Emerge Taught Me to Communicate “Professionally”

    Michigan St. Engineering Student: Rubin Emerge Taught Me to Communicate “Professionally”

    Abigail Bowman, a rising senior at Michigan State University, discusses why Emerge with Rubin made her a stronger communicator as she prepares to work in project management for a large manufacturer.

    One day soon, Abigail Bowman will be a project manager at a manufacturing plant and oversee the production of important goods.

    And when she’s in the role, the mechanical engineering student at Michigan State University (MSU) will need to excel at math and science — and communication skills too.

    That’s why Bowman, a rising senior, appreciates the writing techniques she gained in spring 2020 through Emerge, our signature online program for student professional development. Under the direction of Dr. Geoff Recktenwald in ME (mechanical engineering) 222, Bowman and 200+ other Spartans learned effective email etiquette for internal and external communications.

    “It’s not too often we learn communication skills in our engineering courses,” said Bowman. “Whether you’re a member of the team or a manager, you need to learn how to communicate effectively and professionally.”

    Listen to Bowman here:

    Dr. Recktenwald and his colleague, Ron Averill, MSU associate professor and associate chair for the mechanical engineering undergraduate program, incorporated Emerge in fall 2019 and spring 2020 in ME222. Across both semesters, 500+ students used the Emerge online assignments to learn the power of strong writing in the engineering field. The topics included:

    • Create an executive summary that recaps an in-class design project (learn more about the MSU executive summary exercise here)
    • Write emails in short sections so the content reads quickly
    • Learn to summarize a team meeting via email and delegate tasks in a clear way
    • Understand the value of being detail oriented and incorporating data when possible

    “Effective communication skills are a must for engineers, and Emerge proved to be a great way to develop these skills in our sophomore-level mechanics class,” said Dr. Recktenwald. “Students navigated the Emerge platform without issue, and we were able to make Emerge assignments a consistent feature of the course.”

    Bowman plans to intern this summer with Tenneco, a global supplier of auto parts. Right away, the Michigan native will have the chance to prove she is a sharp engineer and polished communicator.

    “The skills I learned in Emerge are useful for internships and jobs,” said Bowman. “Emerge prepared me for whatever comes next.”

    Want to explore Emerge for your program? Request a 30-day free trial here.

    Engineers must be great writers, too.

  • Rubin Emerge Ebooks Inspire South Dakota College Students

    Rubin Emerge Ebooks Inspire South Dakota College Students

    In the photo above, senior Jordan Cliff from Black Hills State University in Spearfish, South Dakota talks about the leadership skills he gained from Emerge, our comprehensive online platform for business communication techniques.

    Communication and leadership go hand in hand.

    That concept became clear for students in spring 2020 at Black Hills State University (BHSU) in Spearfish, South Dakota.

    Students in BADM 344 — Managerial Communications followed the guidance provided in Emerge, our signature online platform for business communication skills. The course is led by Barbara Looney, PhD, an assistant professor of management in the BHSU School of Business.

    Through Emerge, BHSU students explored the three Rubin ebooks for communication skills — Wait, How Do I Write This Email? (career development), Wait, How Do I Promote My Business? (entrepreneurship) and Wait, How Do I Lead My Team?(leadership and management).

    Each ebook contains 100+ writing/speaking templates and is supported by video tutorials, readings and self-directed assignments.

    “Emerge encourages my students to lead with empathy, draft emails and messages with clear, logical language and never be afraid to seek new opportunities,” said Dr. Looney. “Emerge is a fresh addition to business and managerial curricula.”

    Interested faculty are welcome to request a 30-day free trial of Emerge.

    Listen to three students on what Emerge taught them:

    Jordan Cliff

     

    Victoria Jalbert

     

    Erica Dykstra

     

    Lead with clarity and compassion.

  • LOOK: Rubin Emerge Transforms Resume of Georgia High School Student

    LOOK: Rubin Emerge Transforms Resume of Georgia High School Student

    Emerge, our signature online platform for communication skills, covers in-demand topics like email etiquette, phone etiquette and networking.

    We also provide a comprehensive module on resume writing (called Unforgettable Resumes). And for one Georgia high school student in spring 2020, her updated resume became just that — a document the employer won’t soon forget.

    At Chattahoochee High School in Johns Creek, GA (Fulton County), Work-Based Learning (WBL) Coordinator Toni Crockett employed the Unforgettable Resume module inside Emerge and showed her students how to write a resume that jumps off the page. All Emerge modules are provided online and as printable worksheets to make distance learning equitable for every student.

    “Emerge gives my students the confidence and real-world examples so they can write terrific resumes,” said Crockett. “In addition, Emerge is written in a simple, straightforward way that students can understand and apply.”

    The example below is a good illustration of a student resume before Emerge and the finished product after applying the lessons and guides from within Emerge.

    We removed the student’s name and contact information for privacy reasons. But beyond issues of privacy, a well-written resume underscores that a person’s name — and by extension a person’s race, gender and other demographic markers — matter little in the job/internship application process.

    All that counts is how we carry ourselves. That’s why the ability to write, in career development, is everything.

    The resume before Emerge:

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    And the resume after Emerge:

     

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    The breakdown

     

    Right away, resume #2 looks and feels more professional. The information fills out the page and is comprehensive.

    Note the specific details, as well. Under “Experience,” the student explains she provided babysitting services. She makes sure to note how long she has been a babysitter (“4 years”). In Emerge, we stress that students attach numbers to their resume experience when possible so the reader understands the scope of the work.

    Resume #2 also does a better job explaining the student’s honors, activities and community service. Overall, it’s a 180 degree difference from resume #1.

    “Emerge is a powerful tool that makes my students more competitive for internships, jobs and college admissions,” said Crockett. “I’m glad to have the resource in my WBL program.”

    Do you want to explore Emerge? Request a 30-day free trial today!

    Check out the before and after.

  • Rubin Develops 100+ Printable Worksheets to Meet the Rise in Distance Learning

    Rubin Develops 100+ Printable Worksheets to Meet the Rise in Distance Learning

    The image above is a snapshot of Emerge activities for email etiquette. Notice the hyperlink under each activity to a PDF version of the online exercise. Emerge has 100+ PDF worksheets that mirror the 100+ online activities in the learning platform. Whether students have access to internet or not, they can still complete Emerge activities.

    Online and offline.

    Emerge, our signature learning platform, features 100+ online activities students can do from any location on any device. It’s the perfect instructional tool for our digital world.

    Yet the Covid-19 pandemic made clear that not all students have access to the internet or internet-connected devices when they learn at home. As well, certain student populations (ex: English language learners and special education) often prefer to learn through physical resources instead of a computer screen.

    That means Emerge must also be an “offline” resource and allow students to gain important communication skills with paper and pen.

    Now, such an urgent requirement is a reality.

    The Rubin team has developed printable PDF versions of all 100+ online activities that cover in-demand skills like email etiquette, phone etiquette, networking, LinkedIn and more.

    Whether students learn in the classroom via the internet or at home without the internet, Emerge is there.

    “As soon as the Covid-19 pandemic sent students home by the millions, the educational community saw widespread inequity with respect to digital access at home,” said Danny Rubin, founder of Rubin. “We knew right then it would be critical to provide our materials in both a digital and hands-on format.”

    Moving forward, Rubin intends to be a reliable curriculum for career development no matter the circumstances.

    We are ready for the future of education — no matter what shape it takes.

    Ready to explore Emerge for your school? Contact us here.

    We are online and offline.

  • COVID-19: Rubin Emerge Allows GA Teacher to Reach Students without Internet Access

    COVID-19: Rubin Emerge Allows GA Teacher to Reach Students without Internet Access

    The moment Coronavirus sent Lowndes County students home for distance learning, Jason Van Nus had a plan.

    As the work-based learning (WBL) coordinator for the county, Lowndes has spent the past school year using Emerge, our online curriculum for communication skills, in his workshops and classroom instruction for nearly 200 students.

    Van Nus even helped a student, Kellylynn Lofton, secure a competitive job opportunity at the region’s biggest employer.

    Now that students must learn from home, Van Nus again looked to Emerge for appropriate learning materials for students who can use online tools and those who can’t.

    “I can incorporate the content from Emerge any way I need to,” says Van Nus. “It’s flexible for my students with internet access and it easily becomes a printed packet for those who don’t have internet or a device in which to access the internet.”

    Van Nus prepared online and printed exercises from Emerge that cover three main topics:

    • Handwritten notes to tell people thanks for their assistance
    • “Storytelling” cover letter, a signature Rubin method that helps students share an example of their work ethic
    • Phone etiquette skills

    Van Nus coupled the activities with templates and guides from the Rubin book, Wait, How Do I Write This Email?, which is provided to teachers and students inside Emerge as an ebook.

    For the students with internet and appropriate devices, Van Nus posted the assignments in Google Classroom.

    And for the students without digital access, Van Nus put the information in a printed packet that students obtained from the school site closest to their homes.

    “In particular, the handwritten note lessons in Emerge are perfect right now,” says Van Nus. “My students without internet access or digital devices can use paper and pen to complete the assignment — and they learn a valuable life skill at the same time.”

    Even in a crisis, Rubin comes through.

    How can Emerge help your school? Contact us to start the conversation.

    Online or offline — we’re there.

  • Rubin Partners with Veteran Distributors, Tech-Ed Systems and Leading Engineering Technologies

    Rubin Partners with Veteran Distributors, Tech-Ed Systems and Leading Engineering Technologies

    [April 10, 2020 — VIRGINIA BEACH, VA] Rubin, a leader in online training for business communication skills, has partnered with Tech-Ed Systems and Leading Engineering Technologies, experienced educational distributors that support clients in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey.

    Tech-Ed Systems and Leading Engineering Technologies will market Emerge, the company’s signature online platform that teaches students essential writing and speaking skills for the professional world. Tech-Ed Systems and Leading Engineering Technologies have extensive knowledge and relationships in two sectors, in particular, where Rubin also has an interest: career and technical education (CTE) and higher ed engineering programs.

    The partnership comes at a watershed moment for online learning as the Covid-19 pandemic has caused thousands of schools — and millions of students — to learn remotely and rely on web-based resources. Emerge, already a 100% online program, is poised for what the future of education may hold.

    “Partnering with Tech-Ed Systems and Leading Engineering Technologies is a strategic alliance that gives Rubin greater reach in the Northeast,” says Danny Rubin, founder of Rubin. “As well, the two companies already engage with clients similar to ones that work with Rubin. They also understand the nuances of the K-12 and higher ed landscapes.”

    Cheryl Matthews, owner of Tech-Ed Systems, sees Rubin as an opportunity to start conversations with new institutions and focus on an issue (student professional etiquette) that is a constant frustration for educators at all levels.

    “The Emerge platform gives our team an innovative resource we can use to open new doors and provide additional value to our current clients,” says Matthews. “We’re excited at the chance to work together.”

    About Rubin

    Rubin is a leader in online training for business communication skills. The company provides Emerge, a comprehensive digital platform that teaches effective writing and speaking skills to thousands of students and working professionals across the US. Founded in 2017 by Danny Rubin, a former television news reporter and public relations professional, the company teaches students from Georgia to California critical skills like email etiquette, networking and communicating as a leader. Our motto: “Write well, open doors!”

    About Tech-Ed Systems

    Tech-Ed Systems is a leading supplier of technical teaching equipment for Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Engineering programs in New York and New Jersey. Carefully selecting and partnering with world-class manufacturers in industry and education is the foundation of their success.  Tech-Ed Systems works with educators to identify, select, and deliver teaching solutions and curriculum that help prepare students for their next step whether career or college. Tech-Ed has been serving these areas since 1993.

    About Leading Engineering Technologies

    Leading Engineering Technologies (LET) is a leading supplier of STEM project-based learning environments suitable for grades K through 12 and technical teaching equipment for engineering programs in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Carefully selecting and partnering with world-class manufacturers in industry and education is the foundation of their success. LET works with educators to identify, select, and deliver teaching solutions and curriculum that help prepare students for their next step whether career or college. LET has been serving these areas since 2007.

    Increasing the impact in PA, NY and NJ.

  • COVID-19: VA, NC Teachers Rave About Rubin Emerge as Distance Learning Tool

    COVID-19: VA, NC Teachers Rave About Rubin Emerge as Distance Learning Tool

    In March 2020, the Coronavirus sent teachers and students racing home to avoid the threat of infection.

    Overnight, teachers have had to develop online lesson plans and allow students to learn from home. The unprecedented situation requires innovative approaches and distant learning tools teachers can trust.

    Emerge, our comprehensive online platform that teaches students essential skills like email etiquette, phone etiquette and professional development, stood ready to embrace the remote learning challenge.

    Listen below to Stephanie Younger, a career and technical education (CTE) business teacher at Professional Learning Center (school site within Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in Charlotte, North Carolina).

    Younger says Emerge has been ideal so her students can learn essential workplace skills from home.

     

    Tina Caras agrees with Younger’s sentiment.

    As a business and information technology teacher at T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, Virginia, Caras has also relied on Emerge as students learn at a distance.

    Below, she talks about the value of Emerge as a reliable curriculum tool within her Canvas courses.

     

    Here is an example of a Canvas course in which Caras used a set of Emerge activities (ex: Activity: Improve Your Writing in 3 Minutes).

     

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    The perfect online tool for a critical time.

  • COVID-19: Va Tech Students Use Rubin Emerge to Understand Corporate Communications

    COVID-19: Va Tech Students Use Rubin Emerge to Understand Corporate Communications

    In March 2020, the coronavirus pandemic sent college students home in waves to practice social distancing and avoid infection.

    At the same time, the crisis provided select students at Virginia Tech the chance to observe internal and external corporate messaging.

    To do so, students in Professional Communication (CMST 3214), a mix of juniors and seniors, rely on Emerge, our signature online platform.

    Emerge, which integrates into Canvas, Blackboard, D2L, Moodle and Sakai, gives students actionable templates and guidance for writing/speaking scenarios related to career development, entrepreneurship, leadership and management.

    Va Tech students use Emerge within their Canvas course, which means they do not need a separate username and password; the Emerge content lives inside the Canvas course.

    See all 200+ instructional items inside Emerge.

    By viewing templates in Emerge, students observed how the tone of an email changes when a company addresses employees versus customers. The ebook provides examples for both audiences in the wake of a fictitious company data breach.

    The course is led by instructor Brandi Quesenberry who is also the director of undergraduate programs for Virginia Tech’s Department of Communication. Quesenberry recognized how Emerge material aligns with the corporate challenges that stem from the coronavirus.

    “I want my students to understand that companies must tailor sensitive statements based on the audience, and the Emerge examples made the lesson clear,” said Quesenberry. “The Emerge material is straightforward and students engaged with it through distance learning.”

    Every semester, Emerge prepares students to write and speak in the business world.

    Once you learn the fundamentals, you can tackle any communication challenge — even one on a global scale — and perform at your best.

    Want to explore Emerge as a distance learning tool for your students in the coming semesters? Contact us!

    Expert training for real-world events.

  • Rubin Emerge Teaches NYU Engineering Students the Power of Inclusion in an Office

    Rubin Emerge Teaches NYU Engineering Students the Power of Inclusion in an Office

    In the 2019-2020 academic year, select students in the New York University (NYU) Tandon School of Engineering learned valuable communication (ex: email and phone etiquette) and interoffice skills through the Emerge online program.

    In CE-UY 1002 (Introduction to Civil Engineering), led by Professor Anne Ronan, students watched an Emerge video in which young adults demonstrate the importance of making sure all voices are heard in social and business settings.

    Professor Ronan then asked students to give their thoughts on the scene they observed.

    Here’s the video:

    One of Professor Ronan’s students remarked how the video will make him think differently the next time he sees someone standing alone.

    “Typically I would assume that it would be awkward if I went up to someone and introduced myself and bring them to my group of friends so they would not be alone because I would assume that they wanted to be alone. This video made the interaction between the man from the friend group with the man who was alone not awkward and made him look like a leader.

    This especially stood out to me even more, because the social gatherings happen pretty frequently,where there is usually someone who is left out. After watching the video, I will try to handle the situation similar to how Danny Rubin explained would be the best way.”

    Through hands-on writing exercises and impactful instructional videos, Emerge prepares engineering students to excel in the workplace.

    When students combine technical know-how with a strong command of soft skills, they will succeed in any engineering work environment.

    Want to explore the Emerge online program for your students? Request a 30-day free trial here!

    Soft skills for engineers.