SIWES, IT, or Internship: What Do I Stand to Gain?

An Industrial Trainee

The terms SIWES, SWEP, and IT, which in detail, means, Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme, Students Work Experience Programme, and Industrial Training respectively usually come up when you're in any of our higher institutions of learning. Especially at universities, polytechnics, monotechnics, and innovation enterprises institutions (IEI), you'll have to participate in SIWES or IT during or on completion of your course.

Related terms include internships and housemanship. While the former is a professional learning experience that offers meaningful, practical work related to a student's field of study or career interest, the latter is the compulsory first-year post-graduation medical training where a doctor is to work under the supervision of senior colleagues in accredited hospitals. 

In this context, it's accurate to interchange SIWES, IT, and Internship. For polytechnics, SIWES is required in year 1 (ND 1) while IT follows after year 2 (ND 2). For universities, depending on the course and its duration, SIWES is usually done at the end of the 2nd-semester examination of either 300, 400, or 500 level.

Aims and Objectives of SIWES, IT, or Internship

Considering these programs as compasses guiding students through the theoretical world of education towards practical proficiency, below are the importance of participating in the programs.

1. Practical Exposure

One of the primary goals of these programs is to provide students with real-world exposure to their chosen fields. Just as a fledgling bird learns to soar only by spreading its wings, SIWES, IT, or Internship programs empower students to test their theoretical knowledge in the crucible of real-world challenges. 

You don't want to miss this opportunity to participate in the training/scheme as the latest data from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), 91.2% of employers prefer candidates with work experience, highlighting the importance of practical exposure. SIWES, IT, or Internship programs facilitate this by providing students with hands-on experience in real-world settings.

Recommended: SIWES, SWEP, IT, and Internship: What's the Duration?

2. Skill Development

Like a blacksmith forging a blade, these programs mold students' raw talents into honed skills, tempering them through the heat of real-world challenges and experiences. SIWES, IT, or Internship programs aim to develop and enhance students' professional skills. Through hands-on experience, participants can improve their technical, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills, among others. 

A report by the World Economic Forum (WEF) identifies a growing demand for skills such as complex problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity in the job market. SIWES, IT, or Internship programs aim to address this demand by fostering the development of these skills among participants through experiential learning.

Recommended: How to Correctly Fill SIWES, SWEP Logbooks

3. Industry Integration

SIWES, IT, or Internship programs act as bridges connecting academics to industry, allowing students to cross over from the theoretical realm into the practical world of work.. These programs facilitate the integration of students into the professional world. By working alongside industry professionals, students gain insight into industry norms, practices, and expectations, preparing them for future employment.

The UNESCO's report emphasizes the need for stronger links between education and the labor market. SIWES, IT, or Internship programs serve as conduits for such integration, enabling students to familiarize themselves with industry practices and expectations.

4. Career Exploration

Much like a compass pointing north, these programs guide students in exploring different career paths within their chosen field, helping them navigate through options to find their true north. SIWES, IT, or Internship programs offer students the opportunity to explore different career paths within their field of study - helping them to make informed career decisions and identify areas of interest for future specialization. 

Research published in the Journal of Innovations in Engineering and Technology concludes that SIWES, IT, or Internship  enhances  entrepreneurship skills such as; typing skill,  filing  skill,  time  management  skill,  innovation  skill, sale/marketing  skill,  information  technology  skill,  record keeping  skill,  team  work  skill,  leadership  skill,  risk management skill, planning and organizing  skill of Business Education students in Colleges of Education Cross River State.

Recommended: I Didn't Do SIWES, How Can I Fill Logbook/Form-8?

5. Networking Opportunities

SIWES, IT, or Internship programs may serve as anchors, grounding students and providing them with a solid foundation upon which to build their professional networks. Participation in these programs allows students to build professional networks. Interacting with professionals and peers in the industry can lead to valuable connections, mentorship opportunities, and even job offers upon graduation.

A survey conducted by LinkedIn reveals that 85% of jobs are filled through networking. SIWES, IT, or Internship programs offer students invaluable networking opportunities, allowing them to establish connections with professionals in their chosen field and potentially secure employment upon graduation.

6. Personal Growth

Like a seedling reaching for the sun, students participating in these programs experience exponential growth, both professionally and personally, as they navigate through the challenges and opportunities of the real world.. Beyond academic and professional development, SIWES, IT, or Internship develops individual students' personality. Participants often develop confidence, independence, adaptability, and resilience as they navigate real-world challenges and responsibilities.

Study indicates that internships greatly contribute to personal development, with high effectiveness ratings in fostering relationships with peers, boosting confidence and morale, promoting a sense of responsibility, and enhancing productivity, all of which are crucial for career advancement and professional growth.

Recommended: How to Write Acceptable SIWES Reports - Nigeria Format

7. End-of-Training Reporting and Grading

Participating in programs such as SIWES, SWEP, IT, or internships isn't merely a formality for institution, they hold a responsibility to oversee students' progress throughout their training. In cases where direct supervision is lacking, institutions expect students to submit comprehensive reports upon completion of their training.

At the culmination of the training period, students undergo evaluation based on several criteria, including their logbook entries, reports, presentations, and defense. While there isn't a universally recognized grading system across all institutions, it's generally agreed that schools consider at least two of these aspects in assessing student performance.

Conclusion

Participation in programs like SIWES, IT, or Internship offers invaluable practical exposure, skill development, and industry integration, preparing students for future employment. These programs guide career exploration and provide networking opportunities, facilitating connections with professionals and potential employment prospects. Additionally, they foster personal growth, instilling confidence, independence, and resilience. Research indicates their effectiveness in enhancing entrepreneurship skills and personal development, is crucial for career advancement. Without a doubt, this training/scheme serves as a transformative pathway, equipping students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and experiences to thrive in the dynamic and competitive job market, while nurturing their holistic growth and development.

Sources:

1. Moldstud. (n.d.). The Impact of Work Experience on University Admissions. Retrieved from https://moldstud.com/articles/p-the-impact-of-work-experience-on-university-admissions
2. World Economic Forum. (2020, October). These are the top 10 job skills of tomorrow – and how long it takes to learn them. Retrieved from https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/10/top-10-work-skills-of-tomorrow-how-long-it-takes-to-learn-them/
3. Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. (n.d.). Education and employment in OECD countries. Retrieved from https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000159779
4. Agbor, E. E., & Oyira, E. J. (2021). Impact of Students' Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) in Enhancing Entrepreneurship Skills of Business Education Students in Colleges of Education in Cross River State. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/377013674_Impact_of_Students_Industrial_Work_Experience_Scheme_SIWES_in_Enhancing_Entrepreneurship_Skills_of_Business_Education_Students_in_Colleges_of_Education_in_Cross_River_State
5. Goktepe, H., & Demir, C. (2021). Effect of Internship on Personal and Professional Development of the Selected College Graduates. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/372589381_EFFECT_OF_INTERNSHIP_ON_PERSONAL_AND_PROFESSIONAL_DEVELOPMENT_OF_THE_SELECTED_COLLEGE_GRADUATES

NEED a guide, update, or answer on something? You can spend just #1000 to get professional answers and guides. Click here to request Mr. Techie's INSTANT REPLY. 

HELP SOMEONE:  People would appreciate it if you could just share this post with them on Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, etc. Use the share icons below for your convenience.

Best Related Posts

1. After National Diploma (ND/OND), What Next?
2. 15 Types of Companies For SLT Students IT/SIWES
3. Firms Where To Do Industrial Training (IT)/SIWES in Nigeria
4. 7 Types of Organizations For Computer Students IT/SIWES
5. No Work Experience: How to Make Your CV Stand Out!
6. How to Work/Study as a Full-Time Student in Nigeria
7. CV Crafting Skills For Graduates with 2.2 or Lower Credit