The document discusses how underwater swimming has contributed to the author's professional development. Underwaters involve traveling the length of the pool completely submerged, requiring breath and mental control as well as a relaxed body. They have taught the author to thrive under pressure by relaxing the mind and body, mirroring the pressures of the professional world. The author also sets short-term and long-term goals for underwaters, mimicking their approach to goals in other areas of life. Exploring the unique perspective below the surface has shown the author the value of pursuing new, temporarily uncomfortable perspectives to gain innovative insights.

1. Below the surface
Lauren Mills
Instituto de Empresa Master’s in
International Management Application
Response to prompt E:

2. I swim for the University of Pittsburgh.

3. I enjoy my races . . .

4. . . . but underwaters are my favorite
activity.

5. Underwaters
• Involve traveling from one side of the pool to the
other completely submerged. Kicking is the most
efficient and effective means of completing this
task.
• Requirements:
– Breath control
– Mental control
– Relaxing the body (counterintuitive in this situation)
They have been influential in my professional
development.

6. Contributions to professional
development
• Performing under pressure:
– While submerged, the weight of the pool rests on
you. You are surrounded by the pressure of the
water.
– Without mental fortitude, feeling the pressure causes
panic and forces a premature surfacing.
– I have learned to thrive under the pressure by
intentionally relaxing both my mind and body.
The pressure of the water mirrors the pressures
found in the professional world. My ability to
relax allows me to perform under pressure.

7. Contributions to professional
development
• Setting goals:
– To handle the pressure surrounding me while
submerged, I set goals:
• Short term: There are eight lines on the bottom of the
pool. I focus on passing them one at a time.
• Long term: The cross at the end of the lane marks the
successful completion of the underwater. The eight lines
lead me to this cross.
This goal setting procedure mimics that which I
follow for school, career, and life goals.

8. Contributions to professional
development
• Exploring new perspectives:
– When viewed below the surface, the pool is a
beautiful place of fluidity and clarity; it lacks the
choppiness and disturbances found at the surface.
– This unique perspective cannot be experienced
without getting your head wet.
I know the value of diving into momentarily
uncomfortable situations in pursuit of a new
perspective that can lead to innovative creations
and solutions.

9. One line closer
IE’s Master’s in International Management program
will help me continue to develop my professional
skills and allow me to progress one line closer to
my career goals.