Getting a SIWES (Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme) placement in Nigeria can be stressful, especially for students in competitive fields like engineering, IT, and medical sciences.

Every year, thousands of undergraduates compete for limited internship positions in companies, factories, hospitals, and government agencies. But with the right strategy and preparation, finding a placement becomes much easier.

This guide shows you seven practical steps to find and secure your SIWES or IT placement, even without connections.

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What Is SIWES or Industrial Training (IT)?

SIWES and internships serve the same purpose, giving students real-world work experience, but there’s one key difference:

SIWES is tied to your academic program, while internships can be done independently.

In simple terms:

• You can have an internship without being a student,
• But you can’t have SIWES without being enrolled in a tertiary institution.

Both are designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice, helping students gain skills that employers value.

Learn more in our post 👉 How Long Does SIWES/IT Last in Nigeria?

7 Practical Steps to Get a SIWES / IT Placement in Nigeria

1. Know Your Area of Interest

Before you start applying anywhere, decide on the industry or department where you want to gain experience.

For example:

• Accounting students → accounting firms, banks, or audit companies
• Computer Science students → tech startups, IT companies, or data centers
• Biochemistry students → labs, hospitals, or pharmaceutical firms

Once you know your target field, make a list of companies that match it. You can find them online or from our list:

👉 Top SIWES Companies in Nigeria 2025 | List of IT Placement Opportunities

2. Prepare a Strong CV and Cover Letter

Your CV (Curriculum Vitae) is your first impression, so make sure it looks clean, professional, and relevant to your field.

Even if you don’t have a laptop, you can still create a CV that meets employer standards directly from your phone.

If you’re not sure where to start, check out this free guide:

👉 How to Create a CV on Your Phone in Nigeria – Start for Free (2025 Guide)

That post explains:

• How to use MonoEd CV Maker, an AI-powered mobile CV builder that formats your CV automatically
• How to write achievements and summaries with “Refine with AI”
• How to export your CV as a professional PDF for job applications

💡 Pro Tip: Whether you use MonoEd or Google Docs, always save your CV as a PDF before sending. It keeps your formatting neat on every device.

Finally, pair your CV with a short cover letter introducing who you are, your course, and why you want to train at that company.

3. Build a Basic LinkedIn Profile

You don’t need thousands of followers, just a complete and professional profile.
Add your:

• School and course
• Skills and certifications
• Simple 2–3 line bio about your interests

Many Nigerian students have landed internships through LinkedIn messages or referrals. So keep your profile public and active.

4. Reach Out to Companies (Online and Offline)

Now it’s time to start applying. Use a mix of approaches:

• LinkedIn: Message HR staff or company pages politely. Introduce yourself and your interest in doing your SIWES there.
• Email: Send your CV (PDF) and cover letter to official company emails.
• In Person: If online doesn’t work, dress neatly and visit the company to submit your documents.

📄 Need to create or update your CV before applying?

You can do it for free with MonoEd CV Maker. It’s mobile-friendly and ready for Nigerian employers.

When applying, explain briefly how your course connects to what the company does, and show enthusiasm to learn.

5. Apply to Multiple Companies

Don’t stop at one or two applications. Apply to at least 10–15 organizations.
You only need one “yes.”

Some will reply quickly, others may not respond, and that’s fine. Keep applying consistently and follow up politely after a week or two.

6. Be Smart About Your Choice

Before accepting a placement, consider the following:

Course Relevance

Make sure the company aligns with your field.

For example, Biochemistry students will gain more relevant experience in a lab or hospital than in a marketing firm.

“Course relevance” affects your SIWES grading.

Allowance

Not all companies pay interns. Some offer stipends, others don’t.

Ask politely if there’s any allowance or welfare package.

More details: 👉 Do SIWES Students Get Paid in Nigeria?

Location

Think about transportation, accommodation, and safety.

If you’re applying outside your city, plan where you’ll stay.

Company Reputation

Avoid fake or unregistered organizations that request money from interns.

Always confirm that the company is registered with CAC.

Work Conditions

Ask about working hours, weekends, or holidays before committing.

7. Prepare for Interviews or Tests

Some companies may invite you for short interviews or simple tests.

Don’t worry, they’re usually about your course basics and motivation.

Dress neatly, speak confidently, and show genuine curiosity about what you’ll learn.

Keep your phone and email active to avoid missing acceptance messages.

When to Start Applying

Start searching 3–6 months before your SIWES period begins.

The earlier you apply, the better your chances, especially if you’re targeting large organizations like NNPC, Shell, or Dangote.

Also, talk to lecturers, alumni, or family members who might connect you with companies in your field.

Important Documents for SIWES Students

Before starting your training, prepare these materials:

• SIWES Logbook
• SCAF Form / ITF Form 8
• School registration receipts
• Application letter

Keep them safe, losing them can delay your report submission.

If you need help writing your logbook or report, try MonoEd’s free student tools:

• 📘 SIWES Logbook Generator – Auto-generate weekly log entries
• 📑 SIWES Report Generator – Create your final report draft instantly

Common Mistakes Students Make

• Waiting until the last minute to apply
• Sending the same generic CV everywhere
• Ignoring small firms that offer great experience
• Applying to unrelated companies
• Not following up on applications

A polite call or short email reminder can often make a big difference.

Final Advice

Getting a SIWES placement in Nigeria takes effort, but it’s achievable with the right preparation.

Start early, organize your documents, and keep learning as you go.

Even if you don’t land a big company, focus on what you learn and the skills you develop, that’s what truly matters.

Use tools like MonoEd CV Maker to craft a professional CV, and take advantage of free resources like the Logbook and Report Generators to make your SIWES experience smoother.