Case Study

Making an impact before you've "made it"

22 Jul. 2026

Ingeus Youth Voice Ambassador, Sameen Baqa, knows exactly where she wants her future to lead. At just 19 years old, she's already building an impressive portfolio of experience alongside a First-class Economics degree, but she's equally committed to ensuring her ambitions create positive change for others. Through Ingeus Youth Voice, she's found a way to do both. 

Born in Pakistan and raised in London, Sameen is currently studying Economics at the University of York, where she's on track for a First. Alongside her studies, she has taken on an array of leadership roles, including serving as Module Lead for the Private Credit curriculum at Career26, Vice President of the Women in Economics Society, Corporate Secretary of the Economics Society, Treasurer of her college, and Technology Director at student publication York Vision. 

While her career aspirations are firmly rooted in finance, Sameen's interests extend beyond the world of markets and economics. 

"I care just as much about public policy and being able to write and comment publicly on economics and graduate employment," she explains. "I follow financial markets and current affairs closely enough that it barely feels separate from work anymore." 

Before joining Youth Voice, Sameen was focused on developing skills and gaining experience through university societies and personal initiatives. However, she felt something was missing. 

"I was building a lot of skills and experience through university, but I didn't yet have a route to make an impact outside of that world," she says. "I wanted to be part of something bigger than my own CV-building and actually contribute to an organisation making a difference." 

That opportunity arrived when she discovered Ingeus’ Youth Voice through LinkedIn.  

Ingeus Youth Voice Ambassadors work alongside other young people to share their views, influence services and contribute to initiatives that support and empower young people. Since joining, Sameen has embraced the opportunity to make a tangible difference while continuing to develop personally and professionally. 

One of the highlights of her experience has been undertaking Mental Health First Aid training through Ingeus. 

"It has been one of the most valuable and practical parts of my involvement," says Sameen. "It was an active way of gaining a qualification for the learning I was able to carry out." 

She has also attended regular Youth Voice meetings, quarterly in-person events and the Plug Summit, an experience that aligned closely with her interests in finance and professional development. 

Through these opportunities, Sameen says she has been able to strengthen skills she was already developing at university, but within a very different environment. 

"The skills I've built through Youth Voice have mostly been about deepening skills I already had, including communication, confidence and collaboration, but doing so in an environment specifically designed to make an impact on other people. That's a different kind of pressure and reward compared to a university society or classroom setting." 

For Sameen, the greatest benefit of Youth Voice has been the opportunity to create meaningful change alongside other young people. 

"Youth Voice, and Ingeus specifically, has given me a genuine platform to make an impact alongside other young people, rather than just building experience for myself," she says. 

That experience has also shaped the way she thinks about her future. 

While a career in finance remains her goal, she is determined not to lose sight of the importance of giving back. 

"Youth Voice has shown me how much I value being able to make a real, tangible difference alongside people my own age, and that is something I definitely want to carry forward." 

Passionate about improving opportunities for young people, Sameen is particularly vocal about the importance of gaining experience beyond education. 

"I always say that a degree alone isn't enough to get a good job anymore," she explains. "Finding relevant experience outside of your education, including placements, volunteering and initiatives like Youth Voice, is genuinely one of the most important things young people can do. We need more visibility of opportunities that sit outside the traditional degree-to-job pipeline." 

Looking ahead, Sameen hopes to combine a successful career in finance with opportunities to continue making a positive impact. 

"Ideally, I'd like a future that lets me do both: build a serious finance career while staying connected to work that actually changes things for people my age." 

Reflecting on her Youth Voice journey so far, she describes the experience in three words: “impactful, enjoyable and rewarding.” 

Her advice to other young people considering becoming a Youth Voice Ambassador is simple: 

"Go for it. There's so much to learn, incredible people to meet and genuine opportunities on offer beyond just the regular meetings." 

And for anyone wondering whether they're too early in their journey to make a difference? 

"If there's one message I'd want readers to take away from my story, it's that you don't have to wait until you've 'made it' to start making a difference. The earlier you get involved, the more you get out of it, both for yourself and for the people around you." 

Find out more about Youth Voice and the impact it’s having for young people.