Coast Guard Internship Provides New Opportunities

by Rebecca Livingston

Sarah Wilhelm

Undergrad Sarah Wilhelm is interning for the U.S. Coast Guard—and her supervisor is Communication alumnus Andre Billeaudeaux, '03.

"I am trying to get people interested and aware there is an organization that is protecting the waterways," said Wilhelm.

The Coast Guard is the active duty branch of the U.S. armed forces and the Coast Guard auxiliary—for which she works—is a uniformed volunteer component.

"Her role is a more public-affairs role to promote opportunities and accomplishments for the auxiliary," said Billeaudeaux, director of the U.S. Coast Guard auxiliary in the Northwest.  "“She's also done a lot of media relations.  Working on Web 2.0 initiative.  Bringing Web 2.0 tools to a new audience.  Initiating ground-breaking technologies to an older generation."

Her job also includes creating news releases using a program called Pier 1, where people can talk about what’s going on with the Coast Guard. 

"I am currently working on public service announcements with Central Washington University and their film students," said Wilhelm. "They are also working with the Seattle Mariners (and) Seahawks to help promote water safety."

Wilhelm discovered this internship opportunity from emails sent out by the Communication department. 

"My grandpa was very involved in the Coast Guard when he was alive," said Wilhelm. "It's always been there and because he did it, it interested me."

Working with experienced public relations people is her favorite part of the internship.  It is different than PR classes, which are not as hands-on as being in the office.  

"In the office there is pressure to get things posted as soon as possible because they are newsworthy—not the same pressure in class," said Wilhelm.

Billeaudeaux added that "I give (interns) the tools to go, go, go and she's done that.  She's progressed rapidly.  She has the opportunity to get on helicopters, boats and deal with news media."

"Representing the Coast Guard Auxiliary has been different from when I'm in class, cause I'm not only representing myself, I'm representing a nationally known name," said Wilhelm.  "So I feel I have to do the best job I can, not for myself, but for the Coast Guard and auxiliary." 

Billeaudeaux said there are so many opportunities that are untapped and so much potential in the Coast Guard.

"Almost anything you do, like lighting a match in an oxygen tank, it catches fire," he said.
"Like (Wilhelm’s) first attempt in contacting the media, she got a front-page story."

This internship has helped Wilhelm to write effectively, manage time, and take and execute orders and tasks. 

"I want to join the armed forces after graduation in June," she said. "It’s given me insight into what it's like after boot camp—it’s giving me experience."

Wilhelm is currently working on advertising for a program called Citizens Action Network (CAN).

It helps the Coast Guard with missions and is made up of volunteers. 

"Since the Coast Guard can't be everywhere, CAN is the eyes and ears," said Wilhelm.  "We are in an area where there is water all around us; everyone can get involved."

If someone needs help and they call the Coast Guard, the closest volunteer is contacted to investigate so the Coast Guard doesn’t have to launch expensive boats or helicopters right away.  This saves time and money, said Wilhelm.

"My grandpa got me interested in the Coast Guard, and recent events in the economy have caused the military to seem so secure.  I want job security," said Wilhelm.

For more information go to: www.cgaux.org