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STUDENT-ATHLETE STORIES: BORJA FINDING GUIDANCE AND OPPORTUNITIES AT ROTMAN

Each Thursday, varsityblues.ca will highlight a U of T student-athlete and their academic pursuits. Each of these students achieved first class honours with an AGPA of at least 3.50 in the previous academic year. These are our Student-Athlete Stories, presented by Egg Farmers of Ontario.

It wasn't necessarily athletics that drew Kristen Borja's attention to the University of Toronto. Now in her fourth year of the Rotman Commerce program, it was the prestige of U of T's business programs that attracted the native of Philippines to make the jump from Manila Bay to downtown Toronto. 

"As an international student, I was determined to attend a Canadian university with global recognition, and my strong interest in business led me to the Rotman Commerce program," detailed Borja of her decision-making process. "And then receiving the International Scholars Award, a prestigious entrance scholarship, made the decision even clearer." 
(Borja studying on U of T campus in January, 2025 | Photo by Neil Patel)

Since entering the commerce program at U of T, Borja has elected to specialize in the management branch focusing in strategy, innovation, and data science. This is in addition to a minor in economics. And she has taken on every task with appreciative intention, pointing to one of her experiences to showcase the benefits of Rotman's hands-on learning. 

"One standout experience was participating in a real-life consulting engagement in one of my classes. Collaborating with my group members and a client to address an ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) issue allowed me to apply my academic knowledge to a field directly aligned with my career aspirations." 

Yet, the rigorous academic schedule has not deterred her from experience even more offerings, joining the Varsity Blues women's rugby team in her third year and earning U SPORTS academic all-Canadian honours following the 2023 season. She has also took on roles within the New College Student Council and Rotman Commerce Entrepreneurship Organization. 
(L to R: U of T Vice-Provost of Students Sandy Welsh, Kristen Borja, and KPE Vice Dean of Programs, Ashley Stirling at the 2024 Academic Breakfast | Photo by Seyran Mammadov)

"There is a reason why U of T is ranked so highly internationally – no other school in Canada offers the same level of academic prestige, both domestically and globally. The opportunities that follow a degree from U of T are exceptional, providing access to a vast network and incredible career prospects." 

Closing out her time in the degree program, Borja has already secured her next steps following graduation. 
(Borja during the Varsity Blues women's rugby media day in August 2024 | Photo by Barry McCluskey)
 
"I am excited to have signed an offer with a leading management consulting firm, where I will begin working full-time in August 2025, specializing in asset and wealth management consulting. My time at Rotman and U of T has been instrumental in this achievement, providing me with a wealth of resources, networking opportunities, and a strong academic foundation. The prestige and rigorous training at U of T have undoubtedly helped me secure this competitive role in the consulting industry, and I look forward to applying the skills and insights I've gained to make a meaningful impact." 


 
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