Annie Cunniff

What was your first job after graduation? 

I was projected to begin my current role in August 2024, but the start date was postponed to February 2025. During that time, I was fortunate to reconnect with Marriott International, where I had interned the previous summer. I returned as an Analyst on the Digital Analytics team, identifying trends in user interactions through Adobe Analytics and uncovering opportunities for improvement. I also contributed insights that enhanced the digital guest experience and overall site performance.

What is your current job? 

I am an Associate Data Engineer at Kubrick Group. I am currently working with a client, Fitch Ratings, where I serve as a Specialized Technical Consultant on the Ratings AI team.

How did your degree program prepare you for your career? What are the important skills you developed while a part of the program? 

My applied mathematics degree program helped me build confidence and stay composed when confronted with complex or seemingly impossible challenges. It strengthened my critical thinking, taught me to approach problems methodically, and pushed me to persevere through uncertainty – skills that continue to shape how I tackle technical work today.

What was your favorite memory about Wake Forest and the Department? 

My favorite memory of Wake Forest and the Department is the close-knit community. Sharing courses with the same peers and having professors multiple times allowed me to build strong, lasting relationships that I truly valued.

What is one thing you would want other people to know about the Department of Mathematics at Wake Forest University?

The program is demanding and challenging, but the growth you experience is incredibly rewarding. I learned more than just mathematical concepts – I learned how to think. The department pushed me to become comfortable with uncertainty and to sit with problems even when I didn’t know the answer or the path to get there. Over those four years, my reasoning and problem-solving abilities evolved in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

Is there anything you wish you knew while in the program at WFU or any advice you would give to current students?

My advice to current students is to stay curious and ask questions. Take full advantage of office hours – they’re one of the best resources available, whether you’re working through a challenging problem or trying to understand a new topic.