Annie Illing: Blossoming Through Connection, Support, and Data Science

When Annie Illing first stepped onto UNC Charlotte’s campus, she couldn’t have imagined just how much the university would shape her future. From internships with Fortune 500 companies to research with a women-led academic journal team, Annie embraced every opportunity to grow as a data scientist and as a leader.

A Charlotte native, Annie transferred from community college to join North Carolina’s first School of Data Science—a decision she called “perfect.” She earned her B.S. in Data Science magna cum laude in May 2024 and completed her M.S. in Data Science and Business Analytics (DSBA) in August 2025 through the Early Entry program.

During her time at UNC Charlotte, Annie served as both a teaching assistant and graduate assistant, joined the CCI Mentorship program, and completed internships with Spectrum and The Hartford, both of which she discovered through the university’s career fairs. She also worked with Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly, where she conducted performance analytics and replicated experiments—an experience she especially valued for the chance to collaborate with a women-led team.

Her path into data science was inspired by her brother, a UNC Charlotte computer science alum, who introduced her to the field. Annie quickly realized that her love for problem-solving and uncovering patterns aligned perfectly with the discipline. “Data science is the bridge between technology and business,” she explained, “allowing for innovation while staying connected to people and their needs.”

When asked about her favorite professor, Annie highlighted the impact of her graduate assistantship supervisor, Dr. Joanne Carman. Although she wasn’t in Dr. Carman’s classroom, Annie said her mentorship was as valuable as any curriculum. “She empowered me to trust myself, get creative with solutions, and make informed choices with confidence.”

After completing her degree, Annie began her next chapter as a full-time associate data scientist at The Hartford with the same team she interned with as a student. While she was excited to start her career, she said her greatest joy came on a personal note—her brother and sister-in-law welcomed their first child, and Annie was thrilled to step into her new role as an aunt.

Throughout her academic journey, Annie also discovered the power of community. She formed a close-knit bond with a group of women in the DSBA program who inspired and supported one another through life’s challenges. Together, they even started a book club that grew to include 14 members—half of whom were current students or graduates of the program.

Her advice to incoming students, especially women, reflected what she learned: “Don’t be afraid to reach out. There will be challenging times, but don’t let those moments make you feel alone. Your peers are on this journey with you. Rely on each other and be kind.”

Annie Illing’s journey at UNC Charlotte was one of hard work, mentorship, and community—an empowering story of growth that will continue to inspire both students and professionals for years to come.