Babi Brock: Specialist in Career and Employment Services

Back then she was a student fresh out of Kempsville High, earning an Associate of Applied Science in Secretarial Science (now Administrative Support Technology). She had a work-study job in cooperative education and job placement under former provost Samuel Lamb, who she regards as a mentor.

“When I started here, it was four buildings and Princess Anne was a two-lane road,” Brock said. “To see what TCC has become has been amazing.”

Through the years, Brock considered working for the government or the airlines, but TCC continues to be home. “It’s such a friendly atmosphere,” said Brock who finds it gratifying to help students find employment.

Traffic in the career services office picked up considerably with the decline of the economy in 2008, and Brock often finds herself working with dislocated workers and those re-entering the workforce in addition to recent graduates.

She stresses preparation, noting that 7 of 10 students present resumes that need “fixing, often because they’re not specific enough to target employer needs. There are no generic resumes anymore,” she said. “You have to tailor your resume and sell yourself in today’s employer-driven market.”

Brock also advises students about proper attire, noting that even during job fairs what to wear from head to toe makes an impression. That means, “No Uggs or sneakers.”

“I love it when I get an email from someone saying, ‘Hey, I made changes to my resume, I got an interview and now I’m gainfully employed,’” she said. “I even have former students who are now employers contacting me wanting to hire TCC graduates.”

In her 34 years with the college, Brock has served the college in various capacities, including as part of the Black History Month committee, the Virginia Employment Commission Advisory Committee and was campaign captain for the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign in 2008.

Her son, Cornelius, a Navy veteran, is currently studying at TCC, earning his Associate in Business Administration with plans to transfer to a four-year institution.

In her spare time, Brock enjoys her shepherd mix, Connie, and her miniature pincher mix, Tank. Postcards of extensive travel, including numerous family trips to Jamaica, decorate her office walls. Brock also loves to garden and spend time at Mount Trashmore.