By JKNewsMedia
SECURING THE right placement before the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) begins can shape how much students gain from the programme, making early preparation an essential part of a successful Industrial Training (IT) experience.
JKNewsMedia.com that SIWES otherwise called IT, gives students in Nigerian universities, polytechnics and colleges of education the opportunity to move beyond classroom learning by gaining practical experience in real workplace environments.
The programme also enables employers to assess students’ competence before graduation.
As such, understanding the objective of SIWES is the first step towards making the most of the experience.
It was introduced to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical workplace exposure while helping students develop technical skills, understand professional ethics, strengthen communication and become familiar with workplace expectations.
Importance Of Early Start
Students are advised to begin searching for placements months before the programme starts because many reputable organisations receive hundreds of applications each year.
They should know how to identify organisations that align with a chosen field of study and submitting applications early can improve the chances of securing a suitable placement.
Also preparing a professional Curriculum Vitae (CV) is equally important.
A CV should contain personal details, educational background, relevant skills, certifications, volunteer experience, leadership roles and contact information.
In addition, online courses and digital skills should also be included where applicable to present a stronger application.
Many organisations also require applicants to submit formal letters requesting SIWES placement which should state the student’s institution, course of study, duration of the IT and interest in learning from the organisation while remaining concise, polite and free from grammatical errors.
Students should also familiarise themselves with prospective organisations before resumption by visiting official websites, learning about their services, values and organisational structures.
This preparation can help them ask relevant questions during the training period and demonstrate genuine interest.
Necessity of Digital Competence
Developing digital competence before the programme begins can also improve workplace performance.
Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, email communication, internet research and online collaboration tools is increasingly valuable, while students studying engineering, journalism, business, information technology and healthcare are encouraged to acquire industry specific digital skills where possible.
Effective Communication Skills
Professional communication remains an important workplace requirement.
Students are expected to communicate respectfully, listen attentively, ask appropriate questions and write professional emails, recognising that attitude is as important as technical ability.
Appropriate dressing, good personal hygiene and compliance with workplace dress codes also contribute to a positive first impression while reflecting respect for the organisation.
Students should approach SIWES as a learning experience by observing carefully, asking questions, accepting corrections and carrying out assigned responsibilities with enthusiasm, including routine tasks.
Having Handy Logbook
Keeping an accurate SIWES logbook throughout the programme is also important.
Recording daily activities, skills acquired and knowledge gained regularly makes it easier to prepare the required report while demonstrating professionalism.
Building positive relationships with supervisors and colleagues can create opportunities for mentorship, references, internships and future employment.
Students are also encouraged to be punctual, dependable and responsible while communicating promptly with supervisors whenever genuine challenges arise.
Taking initiative by assisting with projects, observing experienced professionals and seeking opportunities to acquire new skills can further enrich the IT experience.
Good Retentive Memories Cum Punctuality
Students are also encouraged to reflect regularly on the skills they have developed, areas requiring improvement, how the experience has shaped their understanding of their profession and the career path that interests them most.
However, common mistakes to avoid during SIWES include;
- Reporting late to work
- Ignoring workplace rules and policies
- Excessive phone use during working hours
- Inappropriate dressing
- Waiting to be told everything before taking action
- Failing to complete the logbook regularly
- Displaying a negative attitude towards learning
- Missing work without permission
- Disrespecting supervisors or colleagues and
- Treating SIWES as only an academic requirement instead of a career building opportunity.
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