Finding your path Jamie-Lee Phillips’ journey from SFX to global energy trading
For many students finishing Year 12, the pressure to have life mapped out can feel immense. For St Francis Xavier College alumna Jamie-Lee Phillips (Class of 2014), the years after graduation would prove that success doesn’t always follow a straight line — and that sometimes the unexpected path leads exactly where you’re meant to be.
After graduating from SFX with an impressive ATAR of 93.4, Jamie-Lee initially set her sights on a career in physiotherapy. She enrolled at the University of Canberra, ready to begin the journey she believed was ahead of her. But after six months, life took an unexpected turn when she moved with her family to the Gold Coast.
Determined to continue studying in a related field, Jamie-Lee applied to transfer into Physiotherapy at the University of Queensland. When she narrowly missed the high ATAR requirement of 98, she pivoted instead to a Bachelor of Exercise Physiology at UQ.
It turned out to be a decision that opened new doors. Jamie-Lee thrived in her studies, graduating in 2019 with First Class Honours and even publishing a journal article in the Journal of Sports Sciences — an achievement few students reach so early in their careers.
She then spent two years working as an Exercise Physiologist in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting people to improve their health during a challenging time. Yet even then, Jamie-Lee felt there might be another direction for her career.
Curious about teaching, she enrolled in a Master of Secondary Teaching and stepped into the classroom. But after six months as a full-time teacher, she realised the profession wasn’t the right fit.
“It was a really tough time,” Jamie-Lee reflects. “I remember wondering what to do next and honestly feeling like a failure.”
What happened next would change everything.
With no expectations and a willingness to try something completely different, Jamie-Lee applied for a Trading Support Analyst role with Shell Australia. She had always enjoyed working with data and had recently developed an interest in finance, so the opportunity felt exciting — even if it was far outside her previous career plans.
She got the job.
Over the next two years, Jamie-Lee worked across three Shell trading books, helping manage complex energy operations. Her role involved allocating physical gas pipelines, validating trading contracts and reconciling invoices — work that required precision, analytical thinking and strong problem-solving skills.
In April 2025, her hard work paid off when she was promoted to a Trader on the Shell QGC gas portfolio.
Today, Jamie-Lee works on a 24-hour trading roster, managing a physical gas network that includes an LNG terminal and making trading decisions that optimise value across domestic and international natural gas markets.
“It’s a role that still amazes me,” she says. “I absolutely love my job and sometimes I still pinch myself that I have this opportunity.”
Along the way, Jamie-Lee also found an important mentor. Her first manager at Shell remains a close friend and professional guide.
“She told me that during the interview what stood out most was my authenticity, attitude and willingness to learn — qualities that were fostered during my time at SFX.”
Looking back, Jamie-Lee’s story is a powerful reminder that careers rarely unfold exactly as planned — and that sometimes the detours are the very experiences that prepare you for the opportunities ahead.
Her advice for current SFX students is simple but powerful:
Don’t feel pressured to have everything figured out at 18.
“It’s okay to try things, change direction and learn what isn’t right for you. Every experience teaches you something valuable.”
Be open to learning and new opportunities.
“It’s never too late to pivot your career or explore something different.”
Your attitude matters more than your exact pathway.
“Being curious, authentic and willing to learn will take you further than you might expect.”
Today, Jamie-Lee can see clearly that none of the twists and turns were wasted.
“Every step helped shape the skills and perspective that eventually led me to a career I genuinely love.”
And for the next generation of SFX students wondering what their own path might look like, Jamie-Lee’s story proves that sometimes the best journeys are the ones you never planned.