Hello freewriters ! 馃憢
My first semester exams are finally over, and honestly, I feel relieved. After weeks of reading and studying, assignments, tests, practicals, and trying to survive the pressure that comes with being a student, it feels good to have crossed that stage. Finally 馃榿
Now, my attention has shifted to something completely different. SIWES (STUDENTS INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME) mandatory for Science students in my school.
For those who have gone through it before, you probably understand what I'm talking about. At least you might have had an experience. For those who haven't, SIWES is supposed to be a period where students gain practical experience in their field of study. Sounds simple, right? Hmmm
Well, finding a place to do it is a different story.
At this point, searching for a SIWES placement feels a lot like searching for a job opportunity.馃槀
You prepare your documents, print your Siwes introductory letter, update your CV, and start moving from one organization to another hoping for a positive response. Some places tell you they are no longer accepting students. Probably because their slots are filled up. Others ask you to come back later. Some collect your documents and leave you waiting for a response that may or may not come.
Over the past few weeks, I've been making inquiries, sending applications from one organisation to the other, and reaching out to people who might be able to help. The process has taught me something important: opportunities rarely come to those who sit and wait. It comes to those who act.
I've realized that sometimes you have to keep showing up even when the outcome is uncertain. You just have to show up regardless of the circumstances.
There were moments when I thought I had found a place, only for things not to work out as expected. There were also moments when I felt discouraged seeing how competitive the process can be. But instead of giving up, I decided to keep trying.
One thing this experience has shown me is the value of networking. It can never be overemphasised. A simple conversation can open a door that months of searching cannot. Sometimes the person who eventually helps you is someone you never expected.
As a Science Laboratory Technology student specializing in Biochemistry, I hope to secure a placement where I can learn practical laboratory skills and gain experience that will be useful for my future career. Beyond completing a school requirement, I want this period to be an opportunity for growth and learning.
For now, the search continues.
I'm choosing to stay optimistic and keep pushing forward. After all, every student looking for SIWES is hoping for the same thing, a chance to learn, grow, and gain real world experience.
If you've ever searched for a SIWES placement, internship, or even a job, then you probably understand the feeling. The waiting, the uncertainty, the follow ups, and the hope that the next application might be the one that works out.
Thankfully, first semester exams are behind me, and now it's time to focus on what comes next. It's time to build.
Hopefully, before long, I'll be sharing good news about finally securing a placement. Until then, I'll keep submitting applications, making calls, following up, and doing my best not to get discouraged.
And honestly, if SIWES is this stressful, I can only imagine what actual job hunting feels like. 馃槀 We hope for the best always.
Have you ever struggled to find a SIWES placement, internship, or job opportunity? How did you eventually get through it? I'd love to hear your experience in the comments.
@shikumi5