Anna Kotlan

Background

About Anna Kotlan

From a young age, I have been 'analyzing data'. At the age of 7, I learned to use Excel while meticulously tracking my Elf on the Shelf’s location to uncover any patterns in its movements (there were none). This curiosity extended beyond magical elves: as someone who is bilingual and fascinated by languages, I delved into learning about language families and the branching structures of linguistic lineages. When I turned 13, I created a Language Map of the world - a visual representation that helped me explore patterns related to the distribution of language families, understand historical conquests, and trace the origins of language families. By the time I was 16, the pandemic hit. I responded by designing a website dedicated to the COVID-19 crisis, conducting research and creating visualizations comparing government restrictions based on the severity of COVID. As I explored various interests during my youth - ranging from genetics to music theory to linguistics to mathematics - I noticed a common thread: my passion for analyzing patterns. Although I struggled for so many years to figure out my path, it became clear to me that data analytics was the field I should pursue. I recently graduated Bentley University with a BS in Data Analytics, minoring in Computer Information Systems and Business Studies. Throughout my studies, I gained proficiency in many programming languages and was amazed to discover that these new skills opened up endless analytical opportunities. Recognizing my friend’s struggle in choosing a path like I once did, I pursued another project, dedicating one summer to creating a real-time, interactive application called ‘Degree Finder’. After launching the prototype, I saw the potential for my application to support student success and began pitching it to various departments at Bentley University. This process challenged me to step beyond my role as a developer and to think like an entrepreneur. I quickly learned that even the most innovative tools need more than just technical capability to succeed: successful innovation lives at the intersection of technical and business skills, which is why alongside by full-time career, I am continuing my education through an MBA with a concentration in Data Analytics.