LT Christen Shih currently serves as the Coast Guard’s Eleventh District Enforcement Branch, Eastern Pacific (EPAC) Operations Section Chief & Senior Law Enforcement Duty Officer. He is responsible for the oversight of a 10-member watch program, which directs surface and air assets carrying out law enforcement operations.

On the breadth of his education

“When studying Management at the Academy, I enjoyed the number of different classes we were able to choose from as students. We were able to spread our studies across many fields – from accounting to IT to project management – as well as take many electives. A diverse education is very beneficial in an undergraduate degree.”

On a diverse faculty

“The backgrounds of the professors were also diverse. I liked having both Coast Guard officers and civilians as instructors – each offered different perspectives not just on school but life as well. It is amazing how the dialogue I had with my teachers years ago continues to have an effect on the officer I am today.”

On managing his own growth

“One of the lessons I’ve carried from the Management program is to continually seek to evolve as an officer and as a leader. The program ingrained in me the need to continually assess my performance, to reinforce my strengths while shoring up my weaknesses.”

On leadership preparation

“The Management program does an excellent job of preparing cadets in developing their leadership early. Being a leader can be natural to some but for most it isn’t easy, and I believe the Management major allows for its cadets to really get a jump-start when it comes to leadership.”