Telling Her Own Story, From Fashion to Finance & Beyond

If you’ve visited any Columbia GS social media channels in the past couple of years, chances are you’ve seen Krista Kalaj ‘25GS. As a Columbia GS Social Media Ambassador, Kalaj has been one of GS’s most public-facing student representatives. A long time professional fashion model, Kalaj is no stranger to the camera. However, as she shares, her time at Columbia GS has helped to evolve and expand her creativity as an artist, a business entrepreneur, and a storyteller.

Tell us about your path to GS.

Right before I attended Columbia GS, I was working as a full-time fashion model. My modeling career started when I was 13 years old: I was scouted at the Chateau Marmont in LA with my family, and from there, I signed with agencies in Miami, New York, London, and Paris. I began working consistently throughout high school in international campaigns, editorials, commercials, and on runways.

In hindsight, it was definitely a lot to juggle as a teenager, especially considering how dedicated I was to my academics. Oftentimes, I would get picked up early from school to go to castings and jobs in Miami, or fly out to Paris to develop my portfolio for a few weeks and work with fashion clients. Despite my schedule, I was adamant about excelling in my courses—I had long envisioned myself at a prestigious university, with Columbia being my ultimate goal since I was a freshman in high school. I feel very fortunate to have had such a strong foundation around me at the time that endorsed my different endeavors. My mother always wanted to have these opportunities when she was growing up in Montenegro, and continually encouraged me to reach for whatever I wanted to achieve. 

When I turned 17, I made the decision to graduate high school early to travel and work as a full-time fashion model. I spent most of my time working between New York and Paris for high-fashion and runway. I would say my favorite part about being a model is understanding how the craft contributes to the way the product is presented to the world. I always loved being on set with a new team of people and bringing a vision to life that's shared with the world. There are so many skills embedded in this job necessary for success that I learned early on—namely being disciplined, focused, and persistent. This path and the lessons I learned along the way really set me up for my future. When I came to Columbia, I was able to see all the opportunities in front of me, pursue the studies that aligned with me, immerse myself in different communities, and express myself creatively across different domains. I knew I always wanted to study in New York: there was something about the city that always pulled me in, the sense that I could become the fullest version of myself here and have the world before you.

I think being a first-generation student from a family that grew up in Montenegro before arriving in the United States really makes me grateful to have these opportunities today. I fully recognize the sacrifices made for me throughout my life, and I feel a deep responsibility to pay that forward by becoming a source of support and opportunity for others. I’m also profoundly thankful for the encouragement and support I received from my Columbia GS community, including my close friends, faculty, and my academic advisor Dean Kristy Barbacane. They have all encouraged me to keep showing up for myself and trust what I am building.  

What has been your proudest accomplishment at Columbia?

What I am most proud of is pushing myself to try new endeavors. I found myself amongst such a supportive and inspiring community, and I feel so grateful to have grown alongside such amazing people. 

Being a Columbia GS social media ambassador was such an amazing outlet for me to share different parts of student life and engage with the campus through content creation. It has been such a rewarding experience getting to learn more about the students that make this community and their aspirations. While I am used to being in front of the camera, it was my first time speaking to a larger audience and developing an online personality. Being a social media ambassador was an enriching and meaningful part of my experience—I really enjoyed creating initiatives for the school and connecting with students in a way that felt both real and creative. 

Apart from this role, I also am happy I took the opportunity to share my photography, poems and film media with the school through the GS Arts & Research Collective. It was my first time claiming authorship for my artwork in these domains, and I am proud of what I presented, as well as other film and media projects I collaborated on with other individuals at Columbia!

Who are some people who have contributed the most to your Columbia experience?

A class that left an impression on me was Professor Erik Gray's "Victorian Poetry." I took this class my sophomore spring as a means of introducing myself to poetry, and I was so taken aback at the insight and inspiration that poetry can bring. In particular, Robert Browning's "Two in the Campagna" draws on the "good minute," which is the notion that one of the best moments or minutes of your life can come at a fleeting and unexpected time. I always refer back to this work and I am so glad I took this class. 

Another notable professor that I am truly grateful I came across is Professor Elham Saeidinezhad; I was her TA for “Money and Banking,” and her student for several  finance courses. She has been such a supporting figure during my time at Columbia, and hearing her lectures genuinely excited me to learn more about finance. Her desire to build a classroom environment that sparks curiosity and encourages meaningful growth has inspired me and contributed to my learning experience.

What are your plans for after graduation?

This summer, I will begin working in portfolio valuations for private equity and credit in Miami. My intention is to pursue my MBA in the near future to continue growing in the business space. 

After studying at Columbia and immersing myself in the business and strategy arena, I found myself inspired by the constant innovations happening in different industries that are shaping markets and commercial landscapes today. In the coming years, I envision myself in a business-focused career, leading projects within an industry I am passionate about. At the same time, I love having an online platform and sharing my story. Expressing myself creatively and being in front of the camera is an integral part of who I am, so I’m committed to crafting a lifestyle that blends my personality and interests in the future. 

What advice would you give to a student who's about to start their GS journey?

Unapologetically explore all facets of yourself. In my case, I was a financial economics major, but I was dedicated to contributing to the GS arts community, including taking classes in the performing arts that excited me—like acting and recorded sound—and immersing myself in dance organizations. Give yourself the freedom and permission to take on different roles that align with your interests, and try something new if it excites you, or even if the challenge makes you nervous. It is so rewarding in the end!