Military Brat To Global Strategist: A Student’s Journey Through Columbia & London Business School’s EMBA-Global Program

Class photo with CEO of Virgin Atlantic Shai Weiss after being a guest speaker during the joint EMBA-Global Program offered jointly by Columbia Business School and London Business School. Courtesy photo

Rashida Elbourne already had a lot of global experience when she started shopping for an MBA program. She grew up as a self-described “military brat,” living in Japan, Panama, Germany, and England, as well as at various military bases in the United States. She attended seven different schools (including three high schools) all before college.

What she needed was global business experience. Elbourne, 35, is a senior consultant at Deloitte, working in strategy and operations in financial services. She wanted a program that emphasized leadership, particularly in leading diverse teams. She targeted the M7s for their stellar reputations, outstanding networks, and their ties to both consulting and finance. She wanted to keep working, so she wanted a flexible format with which she could balance her career, studies, and personal life.

She found all that through the EMBA-Global Program, a dual-degree offered jointly by two MBA powerhouses: Columbia Business School and London Business School.

“The EMBA Global Program offers a unique combination of dual-campus experience, tailored curriculum, global networking opportunities, and access to top-tier faculty and industry leaders,” Elbourne tells Poets&Quants.

“As a financial services consultant, it was ideal that both New York and London, the financial hubs of the world, are the locations of both campuses.”

TWO DEGREES IN 20 MONTHS

Rashida Elbourne, EMBA ’26

Graduates from the EMBA-Global earn two MBA degrees, one from each school. The program ranked No. 7 in the latest Financial Times’ ranking of international executive MBAs.

The 20-month program is broken into five terms. In the first year, students alternate between the CBS campus in New York City and LBS’ campus in London, taking a block of courses once per month. In the second year, students choose electives from either school.

Leadership development is a key focus. The program starts with an executive leadership course that emphasizes self-awareness, teamwork, and leadership skills through faculty-led sessions and group coaching. It’s also located in two of the world’s premier financial hubs.

Q&A WITH RASHIDA ELBOURNE

After growing up the daughter of two military parents, Elbourne played basketball for four years at Livingstone College, a small HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) in Salisbury, North Carolina. She has a master’s degree in criminal justice management and planning, and just started her second year in the Global-EMBA.

In this Q&A, she tells us about her journey to two of the most prominent financial MBA programs in the world, and how she plans to leverage the degrees to advance her career.

Let’s start with your background. How did growing up as a “military brat” shape your worldview and aspirations?

I am a middle child of three with very active parents who put us all in extracurricular activities, including sports, piano lessons, and club activities like taekwondo, gymnastics, and swimming. My parents did a great job of maintaining some form of normalcy for me and my sisters as we relocated every few years.

I noticed more as I got older that my upbringing was not the typical experience, especially after moving from living overseas. During my childhood, I relocated every 3 to 4 years with dual military parents – both serving in the United States Air Force. I called places like Japan, Panama, Germany, and various bases around the United States home. Often, during introductions, people ask me where I am from. I always answer the same: “I am from nowhere.” I then explain how I moved often because both my parents served in the U.S. military. People often correct me by saying, “Or, you are from everywhere!”

These experiences significantly shaped my worldview by exposing me at a young age to diverse cultures, global perspectives, adaptability, and embracing others for their differences. The constant relocation and adjusting to new environments made me more resilient and flexible. I had to adapt quickly to new schools, neighborhoods, and social dynamics, which also helped me build a strong sense of independence and resourcefulness.

Additionally, it helped me build a stronger sense of identity by being grounded in my family values and my ability to build relationships across diverse settings. The “military brat” lifestyle showed me there is endless opportunity across the globe – not only from a military perspective but from a civilian view. I have encountered so many wonderful people from all over the globe, even before the social media era, and I have countless memories coupled with childhood pictures to reflect on my youth. I feel my unique childhood profoundly impacted my mindset, values, and ambitions, which have all shaped my aspirations during my studies, career, and throughout my life.

Summarize your educational journey and the most important lessons or takeaways you gained.

My educational journey, in many ways, prepared me for the corporate world. Before college, I attended seven different schools (including three high schools) in four geographic locations. This truly emphasizes my ability to adapt at a young age.

I graduated from high school with honors and received an athletic and academic scholarship for college. I was a student athlete and played basketball for all four years at Livingstone College, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in business administration. I graduated summa cum laude – seventh in my class – and then attended graduate school at Norfolk State University. There I studied criminal justice management and planning. By the end of 2023, I applied to the EMBA-Global Program and began classes in May 2024.

Rashida Elbourne was a shooting guard on Livingstone College’s basketball team. Courtesy photo

The most important lesson I gained from my educational journey and basketball is not to get so wrapped up in your goals and achieving what’s next that you miss out on the present and what’s going on around you. In college, I often wanted to hurry and “join the real world.” I was always in a rush to start something new, play the next game, get to the next class, or begin a new semester. Often, I overlooked my current successes and didn’t appreciate where I was.

I tore my ACL in the conference tournament during my junior year, which forced me to slow down and appreciate the small wins (like walking without crutches). I had to learn to walk again and build muscle following my ACL repair surgery. Since then, I’ve been more appreciative of the process and less focused on my next goal, achievement, or task. I gained a new appreciation for gratitude.

How do you think your basketball career and studying at an HBCU helped shape you and your future aspirations?

Both basketball and attending an HBCU really helped shape me into a leader in my community and at work.

Looking back, I’ve realized my basketball career taught me many valuable lessons that I’ve applied throughout life, such as discipline, work ethic, teamwork and collaboration, and confidence. These all became skills that I’ve used in the workplace in some form or fashion. My basketball career allowed me to experience both success and failure and taught me how to learn from failure by making immediate adjustments.

I feel the most valuable takeaway from my Division II (DII) collegiate basketball career was time management. As a student athlete, I had to balance my sport with academic responsibilities, which taught me the value of managing time efficiently and maintaining balance in a demanding environment. I balanced attending classes, morning workouts, evening practices, study hall, and participating in other campus organizations, such as Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Phi Beta Lambda, and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Ultimately, I graduated at the top of my class from Livingstone College with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and was recognized both athletically and academically in the conference.

Rashida Elbourne graduated from Livingstone College as seventh in her class in May 2012. Courtesy photo

Livingstone College significantly shaped my aspirations by influencing my personal development, career goals, and cultural awareness. It also established a strong sense of identity and community for me.

Prior to attending an HBCU, I was always in learning environments and schools as a minority – often the only Black person or one of two. I decided to attend an HBCU to finally be in an environment surrounded by peers who looked like me and to foster a deeper sense of pride and identity. While I knew the working world wouldn’t look like an HBCU and I would once again be a minority in corporate settings, attending an HBCU was an opportunity to thrive academically and socially.

This also allowed me to adapt to a new experience I wasn’t used to and see if I could thrive as a majority in an institution. Studying at an HBCU shaped my aspirations by fostering a deep sense of cultural pride, resilience, and a commitment to leadership and service. It empowered me to pursue my dreams with a strong foundation rooted in community and a legacy of excellence.

What about your professional background, leading up to your decision to pursue an EMBA? What led you to your interest in financial services? Did your background in criminal justice shape your career choices in any way?

My current company is an international firm with locations across the globe, and as a result, my teams have been diverse in nature, including geographic location, background, and experience. My decision to pursue the EMBA-Global Program was to gain an immersive global experience, a global perspective, and cross-cultural understanding. I also hoped the program would enhance my leadership development in a global context by exposing me to international business practices, diverse markets, and global trends that I could apply directly to my clients. This program seemed like an immediate ROI, not only for me but also for my company.

I’ve been interested in financial services since I was an undergrad. My hope was to join a bank right out of school, but unfortunately, it wasn’t easy to land a job. I felt that if I could break into financial services, I could pivot into any industry since all companies required transferable skills from banking management. I saw a lot of career progression within financial services and banking specifically. My goal was to join an industry diverse enough to never become boring. Additionally, one of my professors in undergrad told me, “If you go into banking, you’ll always have a job.”

Yes, my background in criminal justice provided me with valuable skills and perspectives that helped shape my career in business, particularly in understanding ethics and compliance, risk management, and decision-making under pressure. In criminal justice, I studied white-collar crimes, which are often overlooked compared to violent crimes. People typically think of criminal justice as involving law enforcement, criminal law, juvenile justice, and criminology. However, white-collar crime directly relates to the banking industry.

I studied cases like Enron, Lehman Brothers, and Tyco International. My first master’s degree from Norfolk State University in Criminal Justice Management emphasized critical thinking, data analysis, and problem-solving, all of which I still use heavily in my current role as a financial services consultant.

When and why did you start thinking about getting an MBA?

I first considered the idea of going back to school in 2020, but it became definite after many unsuccessful interviews with consulting firms during COVID. I realized I would need an MBA to elevate my personal brand and be a more competitive applicant. After extensive research, I saw that an MBA offered more value than just name recognition for a firm.

Rashida Elbourne on the Columbia University campus during block week for her EMBA program. Courtesy photo

During COVID, I had plenty of time for self-reflection about what was next for my career. Like many Americans, I was laid off from my job due to the economic decline. At the time, I was working for an entrepreneurial private lending firm that financed investment properties by offering loans. As you can imagine, the real estate construction market came to a halt.

Before COVID, I only had industry experience working at the top bank in Hawaii in their mortgage department. I had a passion for banking and wanted to stay in that field, which led me to consulting. While researching consulting, I stumbled upon financial services consulting, and I was sold.

I had an opportunity to interview with two major strategy firms (MBB) in 2022 and fell short in the final round. The feedback I received from the recruiter was that I needed to brush up on some technical skills. I lined up several interviews while unemployed, eventually landing a job at one of the Big 4 firms. I realized I was missing the formal training an MBA provides, especially since many leaders in top consulting firms had MBAs.

Through further research, I saw the value of an MBA – not only for enhanced problem-solving skills but also for personal growth, networking opportunities, career advancement, and exposure to other industries. I also realized the institution was just as important as the degree itself, which led me to Columbia Business School. I applied to the EMBA-Global Program after attending a Columbia session in person and learning about the opportunity to earn two degrees from two top business schools.

Did you consider a traditional, part-time, or online MBA? What made you choose an EMBA?

No, at this point in my career, I didn’t think it would be beneficial to leave my job for two years to pursue a full-time MBA, especially with potential economic crises looming. I still wanted the classroom experience, so I didn’t consider online programs. My main requirement was to enroll in an M7 business school, and Columbia Business School (CBS) was the best opportunity for me.

Originally, I was interested in CBS’s Friday-Saturday EMBA or Saturday EMBA classes. However, after attending an admissions day at Columbia, where they briefly mentioned the EMBA-Global Program, my interest was piqued. Then, I attended the “EMBA-Global Experience Day,” which included a class visit, coffee chat, alumni panel, and more. That sealed the deal. I knew the EMBA Global Program was the right fit for me.

Why did you choose the EMBA-Global Program from Columbia Business School and London Business School? Did you consider other programs as well?

Rashida Elbourne catching the London sights during class week in December. Courtesy photo

This program provides the opportunity to earn two MBA degrees from two very prominent institutions, which was a huge selling point for me. Both come with valuable networks and strong brands in financial services. Since I was already considering CBS, the opportunity to travel throughout the year to London and interact with a more global cohort aligned perfectly with my passion for developing an international perspective and leading diverse teams.

In your opinion, what sets the EMBA-Global apart from other programs?

The EMBA-Global Program with CBS and LBS offers a unique combination of dual-campus experiences, a tailored curriculum, global networking opportunities, and access to top-tier faculty and industry leaders.

As a financial services consultant, it’s ideal that both New York and London are financial hubs – the locations of the two campuses. Both institutions have a global reach and integrate real-world business experiences, which made this program my top choice for expanding my knowledge, leadership skills, and global perspective.

I also wanted a program where I could immediately apply my learning to my work. The block-week style of courses was very appealing while balancing a full-time job in consulting. Additionally, CBS’s extensive selection of finance-focused electives and LBS’s strong emphasis on strategy courses were major draws for me.

What has been the most valuable part of your EMBA experience so far?

Honestly, the relationships have been the most valuable part of my EMBA experience – from professors and career advisors to the students in my cohort.

This program is global by nature, representing 20 nationalities, 22 industry sectors, and 19 job functions, with an average of 14 years of work experience. Furthermore, my cohort is unique in establishing gender parity, with 52% women!

The program itself has provided opportunities to interact with guest speakers from Fortune 500 companies, former CEOs, current CEOs, founders, and COOs. Additionally, my cohort is filled with experts in their respective fields, so I’ve been able to learn directly from a group of intelligent and successful people from around the globe. I know I wouldn’t have been exposed to anything like this if I hadn’t applied to this program.

Having classmates with diverse experiences and perspectives has been incredibly valuable to my learning during this program. It not only enriches my personal learning experience but elevates the cohort’s discussions when analyzing business cases or real-life situations.

These conversations promote realistic scenarios for managing global teams, foster inclusive learning, and broaden critical thinking. This dynamic learning environment has truly prepared me to be a global citizen.

This was definitely a key factor in my choice for the EMBA-Global Program. I wanted to learn from perspectives outside my own and avoid being stuck in a box. I also wanted to understand how the financial services industry operates in various countries—what’s different, what’s the same, and how international banks approach problems similar to those in the U.S. I felt EMBA Global would best prepare me to lead diverse global teams.

How have the program’s global focus and emphasis on leadership development aligned with your career goals?

I already work on global teams, with my projects naturally being diverse. In many cases, I lead meetings, client relationships, and junior practitioners.

The program’s emphasis on leadership development has already shifted how I approach various scenarios. I’m more self-aware when leading teams and focus on key skills like communication and emotional intelligence. This has changed how I interact with my teams and clients, fostering a more collaborative, empathetic, and results-oriented approach.

A huge benefit of the EMBA-Global Program is how closely it aligns with my aspirations—not only learning from prestigious professors but also gaining value from CBS and LBS’s focus on leadership development.

Rashida Elbourne in her first presentation at London Business School during the first week of her EMBA-Global program. Courtesy photo

What are you hoping to achieve with your EMBA? Are you looking to advance at Deloitte, pivot to a new role, or explore new industries?

My main goal is to enhance my strategic thinking and leadership skills, which are both crucial in consulting. I also want to expand my network with international contacts as I continue working with global banks.

The EMBA credential is seen as a professional achievement, which enhances my credibility with clients and internally at Deloitte. While I’m a strategy and operations consultant, many of my projects are aligned with operations. I want to focus more on strategic consulting to diversify my skillset, especially in areas that add value to my clients.

I’m definitely hoping to advance at Deloitte through my EMBA studies. Many of my projects naturally place me in leadership roles, but as I move up at the firm, I recognize that the size of the teams I lead will grow. I want to handle that responsibility with confidence.

Additionally, I’m interested in exploring industries outside of financial services. During electives, I’ll look to deviate from financial services to gain exposure to other fields without having to change jobs. I hope these new exposures will introduce me to potential industries within consulting without prematurely compromising my current banking projects.

Has your EMBA experience already had an impact on your career trajectory or outlook?

Yes, it’s had more of an impact than I expected at this point. I came into the program with a dream path and specific goals aligned with consulting skills I wanted to develop. However, I’m now more open to exploring other avenues, including entrepreneurship, other industries, and passion projects.

This program has broadened my perspective and opened my eyes to opportunities outside of traditional consulting roles. Most importantly, it’s encouraged me to focus on global impact, which has shifted how I approach my career trajectory.

What, if anything, would you like readers to know about your EMBA journey or career? What do you think makes your story unique or inspiring, in your opinion?

My career journey is a testament to having a plan but also being flexible to possibilities. I don’t come from a well-known undergraduate school, and I’ve often had to prove that I belong in certain spaces. Between Livingstone College and Norfolk State University, I learned a lot that prepared me for the EMBA-Global Program.

I think my story is inspiring because it speaks to individuals who may question their belonging—whether due to their background, age, upbringing, education, or job history. At one point, I felt the same way. I doubted whether an Ivy League institution would accept someone with degrees from Livingstone College or Norfolk State University. Neither school was considered a target school, so I wondered how I could land a job at Deloitte.

Many times, we are our own biggest critics and talk ourselves out of opportunities because we don’t feel adequate. I want anyone reading this to feel empowered to take a chance on themselves, even if no one else has a story like theirs. Most “military brats” decide to join the service and often find success while serving, but I’ve heard less about military kids who focus on forging their own path outside of the military.

If someone asked me 10 years ago where I’d be today, I would never have said enrolled in the EMBA-Global Program at two prestigious institutions (CBS and LBS), flying to London every other month, attending classes in Harlem on Columbia’s new campus, studying with global peers from various industries, and meeting CEOs from Fortune 500 companies—all while working full-time at one of the top global consulting firms. I’ve been fortunate to experience a program like this and will never take this opportunity for granted.

It’s inspiring because, in every introduction, no one recognizes Livingstone College. Yet, by the end of the conversation, they can say, “I met someone from a small HBCU, and she’s doing well for herself.” The EMBA-Global Program has opened doors I couldn’t have imagined and introduced me to classmates worldwide who will become lifelong friends and family — all because I took a chance on myself and applied.

I want readers to take away that “unique” doesn’t mean “not good enough.”

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Balancing demanding clients at work and a rigorous course load has been more difficult than I expected, but it’s a challenge I’ve welcomed. Many people avoid challenges, especially later in their careers, but I believe that if something scares you or feels uncomfortable, you should probably take a chance on yourself and choose discomfort.

My parents always told me, “The only constant in life is change.” While they often said it to make us feel better about constantly moving and leaving friends, it’s true. Even when things seem hard, you shouldn’t give up on your dreams or look for the easy way out. Embrace the challenges.

I would tell anyone considering an EMBA or another big challenge not to give up on themselves. My EMBA journey has been more introspective than I imagined. You can have a plan, but it’s okay if that plan changes—just embrace the journey.

I’m focusing on learning more about myself through this program, even at 35, and I’m beyond excited for my future.

DON’T MISS: EMBA SPOTLIGHT: THE COLUMBIA BUSINESS SCHOOL ADVANTAGE AND HOPES & FEARS: HIGHER ED LEADERS SOUND OFF ON TRUMP’S RETURN TO POWER