With many A-level and GCSE students nervously awaiting exam results this August, thoughts will soon turn to celebrations and careers, in that order.
Whether you've done better, or worse, than you expected, never underestimate the value real work experience adds to your CV. Even if you're not sure what sort of job suits you, spending time with people in the industry is the best way to find out.
A longer stint, like an internship, is also a great way to start learning on the job and get your foot in the door of the company. While some people argue unpaid work is an inevitable step on the career ladder, there's is a strong argument that it's unlawful exploitation. And with such variety in the quality of internships out there, you need to make sure you know what you're getting.
But where do you find the best opportunities, and how can you use the contacts of people you already know? Ask our experts on Wednesday 13 August from 2pm to 4pm.
We'll be discussing:
• Where to find work experience and sound internship opportunities
• Making the most of any experience while you're there
• How to use it to your advantage when applying for jobs
The Q&A takes place in the comments section below this article. Taking part is easier than ever: you can create a free Guardian account, or log in using your Twitter or Facebook profiles to comment. Alternatively, you can tweet us @GuardianCareers or email your questions to Hannah Friend who can post them for you.
Our panel
Alex Townley is the marketing manager at Inspiring Interns, a UK internship and graduate job agency. To date, it has helped over 4,000 students and graduates find internships and jobs. Two thirds (66%) of the interns that Inspiring Interns helps earn a full-time job as a result of their internship.
Hannah Wrightson is a marketing assistant at RateMyPlacement. RateMyPlacement works with over 300 companies to help students find placements, internships, insight days and vacation schemes. Alongside this it has over 25,000 student written reviews to give students a real flavour of the work place.
Fiona Boyle is co-director (partnerships and learning) of Third Sector Internships Scotland (TSIS). TSIS offers students from all Scottish universities the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to charities, social enterprises and voluntary organisations through completing paid, supported internships.
Simon Gray is a qualified chartered accountant, entrepreneur and careers expert. Having spent over 10 years in the recruitment sector and as author of 'Super Secrets of the Successful Jobseeker' (Harriman House), he advises people at all levels on jobseeker strategy. Simon is founding and managing director of Career Codex Limited, and tweets as @careercodex.
Julie Bowen is member services manager at the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo), a trade body dedicated to representing the interests of the UK Professional Staffing industry. The organisation has recently introduced the APSCo intern program which has found internships for graduates in the recruitment sector, both in Singapore and the UK.
Dasha Amrom is the founder and managing director of Career Coaching Ventures, a career and business coaching consultancy in London. Career Coaching Ventures provides CV and cover letter design, internship application advice, interview preparation and career coaching for individuals.
Lucy Barker is head of human resources and facilities at Rufus Leonard, having originally joined as a project manager 13 years ago. Lucy has developed and implemented organisational design, leadership development, and internal training strategies. She also takes responsibility for the wellbeing, development and support for all of the staff, including the RAW at Rufus interns.
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