Live Q&A: Charity degrees, Tuesday 18 October, 1-3pm

Recently on the network, we have been interviewing voluntary sector professionals - questionning how and why they chose a career in the third sector. What is most interesting is that very few interviewees started their careers with charities, and even fewer studied a sector-specific degree. More and more charity degrees are being made available - but how useful are they for your career? In this week's live Q&A, we'll explore: • How to find the right course for you • The benefits of studying a charity degree • Whether studying a sector specific degree improves employment chances You can leave your questions in the comments section below, or come back to join the discussion live from 1pm to 3pm on Tuesday 18 October. If would like to join our experts on the panel, email Kate Hodge . Expert panel Stephen Lee - Professor of Voluntary Sector Management, Cass Business School ; director of postgraduate studies, Business & Management, Bath Spa University Stephen has developed teaching programmes, and has taught and researched across the field of fundraising, philanthropy and strategic marketing and management in the voluntary sector for over 25 years. From 1989-99 he was chief executive of the Institute of Fundraising and maintains a practical involvement in fundraising practice as a trustee of Dorothy House Hospice in Wiltshire. He received the Institute's inaugural Lifetime Achievement award in 2000. Dr Geoff Paul - programme director, MA Charity Management, St Mary's University College Geoff is the programme director for the MA Charity Management at St Mary's University, Twickenham. Geoff has taught managers from over thirty different charities and has served as a trustee for Victim Support. His specialist research areas include international development, NGO Law and the role of charities in conflict zone Julian Smith - associate consultant, Charity People With over 10 years recruitment experience in the charity and wider not-for-profit sectors, spanning all disciplines and professions, Julian's experience means that he is well-placed to answer most queries regarding careers in the charity sector. Julian's key specialisms are grant-giving trusts, professional membership bodies and educational organisations. Mark Wilson - post graduate, MA in Civil Society, NGO and Non-Profit Studies, University of Kent Mark has a BA (Hons) degree in Education Studies, and is currently studying for an MA in Civil Society, NGO and Non-Profit Studies at the School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research at the University of Kent. Mark has travelled extensively supporting the development work of numerous grassroots NGOs/CSOs in Kenya, India and South Africa. In 2007 he was awarded a Rotary Outstanding Contributions Chalice for Special Service. Twitter: @UKCPhilanthropy Andrew Brady - programme manager, 3rd Sector Futures Andy set up 3rd Sector Futures at Anglia Ruskin University in 2008, and recently established a new Cert HE in Charity & Social Enterprise Management, currently being delivered to 60 students in Chelmsford and Cambridge. Before becoming an academic, Andy worked with refugees and asylum seekers in London, and is currently on the board of two social enterprises. He has a masters degree from the Judge Business School and has taught on Cambridge University's social enterprise MSt. Nigel Scott - course director, Management in Civil Society Programme, London South Bank University (LSBU) Nigel has worked in charities for over 20 years both nationally and internationally, starting as a director of finance. In 1998 Nigel studied a PgDip at LSBU and in 2001 joined the teaching staff. Nigel has been course director since 2005 and has led growth in student numbers from 30 to this year's 120, including 50 studying by distance learning. Ruth Greenberg - chief officer, Partnership Council Ruth has been chief officer of the Partnership Council for around eight years. After leaving University Ruth worked in London for 6 months for a charity run by disabled people and supporting disabled people to live independently. She then moved to the local authority sector, delivering play and youth work. After working as a development worker supporting volunteer run groups, Ruth moved into management, heading teams of play, youth and community development workers before taking up her current position. Peter Maple - course director, Management in Civil Society (Charity Marketing and Fundraising), London South Bank University (LSBU) Peter is into his third successful career. Having been a marketing director in the commercial sector, a communications and fundraising director in the voluntary sector, Peter is now a respected academic researching, writing and teaching on charity marketing communications and fundraising. Jessica Culshaw - PR Officer, Media Trust As PR Officer at Media Trust, Jessica is responsible for the management and delivery of press and PR activities across all Media Trust's products and services including national television channel Community Channel, available on Sky, Virgin TV and Freeview. This content is brought to you by Guardian Professional. To join the voluntary sector network , click here .