Elmien graduated at Cape Peninsula University of Technology with BTECH: Business Admin and after that PGDIP in Labour Law at University of the Western Cape. She successfully completed her MPhil in Labour Law in August 2022 at University of the Western Cape. She has been with Stellenbosch University for almost 17 years, currently working as the Senior Administrative and Financial Officer for CRSES. Prior to that, she worked in the private sector.