Name:Namita Nandakumar
Job title: Senior quantitative analyst
Education:B.S. in Economics from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
Years of hockey experience: 5 years (2.5 in NHL front office, 2.5 in public research/media)
Describe your job in 2-3 sentences: I use statistical tools to help the Seattle Kraken make informed hockey operations decisions. From the amateur draft to free agency to game preparation to the trade deadline, I aim to predict, simulate, and/or analyze what happens next.
What was the first career you dreamed of having as a kid?
I've always loved reading, so I dreamed of being an author. That aspiration still serves me well today because even though my job involves lots of numbers, effective written and verbal communication is how to turn analyses into action.
What motivates you to keep pushing and be successful?
The fact that I make a living by building statistical models to better understand a sport I've loved for over a decade already counts as "success" on a personal level. Beyond that, I want to keep improving my skills because I want to feel like the Kraken are more knowledgeable, more prepared, and generally better off after every project that I tackle. But the simplest explanation is that I'm having fun, which means passion and motivation are never too hard to come by.
Describe a moment where you proudly thought to yourself, "I can't believe this is my job!"
Being on the draft floor in Montreal this year was a surreal and happy experience. I remember watching the draft on TV several years ago and wondering if I could ever be there someday, and I'm thankful the answer was a resounding yes. The amateur draft has always been my favorite research topic because I view it as the most fundamental way to shape an NHL team for years to come.
Are you a morning person or night owl?
Night owl
What's your favorite book?
"The Age of Innocence" by Edith Wharton
What's your favorite movie or TV show?
"30 Rock"
What is your most-used emoji?
Thumbs-up
Do you have any hidden talents?
Solving crosswords
