Nicky Fenwick, eparticipation officer, UK Youth.

What was your first contact with youth work?

I've been involved with Girlguiding since I was a Brownie, aged seven. I later helped run a Brownie unit as a young leader. After university, I went back, and I'm now a qualified group leader.

Did you always fancy a career in youth work?

No, I went to university with the idea of becoming a criminal barrister. But I realised I was more interested in ways of stopping young people from getting into the system in the first place.

What was your first job?

I took a part-time job in a youth club. I did a lot of participation work and decided that was the direction I wanted to go in. I got a job with Dorset Youth Association as a participation and democracy officer, and set up a rural youth council.

And after that?

This opportunity came up at UK Youth last year. I'm working with UK Youth Voice, our national members' group, consulting on the services that UK Youth provides, as part of the national youth-led Movers and Shapers project.

What about your own training?

I'm halfway through a Level 3 youth work qualification and, from next September, I hope to do an MA in Youth and Community Development.

And in the future?

There's some really exciting initiatives coming up within UK Youth, so I'd love to stay on here.