JENNIFER PHILPS - Community relations manager
Salary range
AUD$75,000 - 85,000
My advice for students
"Choose to study subjects and material that you enjoy, not just what is popular or financially rewarding. Science has the ability to satisfy our immense curiosity about the world around us. Science took me halfway around the world; it can open many doors. By following a path that you find fascinating and enjoyable, you will undeniably get career satisfaction."
What I studied
Bachelor of Science (Honours) 1964
Diploma of Education 1975
Career path
Science teacher and mother - 1964-1991
Sales and marketing consultant - 1992
Community relations manager - Children's Medical Research Institute (CMRI) - 1993 - present
My life - from teaching science across half the world to community relations at CMRI
Jennifer started a teaching career in Scotland in 1965 after majoring in genetics at Glasgow University. After her marriage to a veterinarian, Jennifer and her husband set off to Uganda on the Overseas Development Program where she taught in a remote village on the Sudan border. These were turbulent times in Uganda, so they ventured to the safer climate of South Africa where they stayed for the next 20 years raising three daughters. Jennifer taught in many parts of South Africa and immigrated to Australia in 1987.
In 1992, Jennifer left teaching to pursue a new career in scientific sales and marketing, and in 1993 joined the Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI).
“They say that a person has five distinct careers in their lifetime. If I hadn’t walked through the door at CMRI one day I definitely wouldn’t have ended up where I am. Opportunities are there for grasping."
Huge strides have been made in the understanding of genetics and the future holds great promise in preventing the diseases we see today.
“I’m constantly telling people that I have the best job in the Institute. I am able to be in touch with the scientists who are working at the front line of medical research, in areas like cancer research and gene therapy.
"And then, the best part is being able to spread those messages to the rest of the community. I talk to people all over the country about our research: service clubs, school students, fundraisers and families who know the effects of genetic disease too well – although that is difficult at times, what is wonderful is that I can tell them that we are learning more all the time and the future holds great promise for the 1 in 20 children with some kind of genetic disorder or congenital abnormality.
"My creative side is also satisfied through my involvement in our successful Jeans for Genes campaign since its inception in 1993 and also in the selection and marketing of our CMRI merchandise.”