Securing Quality Internship Placements

Interviewer: Many Mass Communication students struggle to secure quality internship placements. What key factors contribute to this challenge?

Dr. Patrick:

Thank you for that question. One major factor is poor planning on the part of students. Many students do not think ahead about viable organizations where they can gain hands-on experience. As a result, when the time for internship approaches, the process becomes accidental rather than deliberate, and they begin to scramble for placements.

Another challenge is saturation. We live in a highly competitive environment where many universities now offer Mass Communication. Naturally, reputable media and communication organizations receive numerous applications and tend to accept those who apply early. Once their capacity is filled based on budget and logistics, they cannot accommodate additional students.

For instance, a Mass Communication student from the University of Ilorin who applies late to a popular organization has a slim chance of being accepted. This is why students who aspire to work with top organizations must establish contact and rapport early. Even if they apply late, prior familiarity can work in their favour.

However, the department is very conscious of this challenge. Over the years, we have built strong networks with Public Relations outfits, advertising agencies, and broadcast and print organizations in Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, and other locations. Because of this rapport, many organizations deliberately reserve slots for students of the Department of Mass Communication, University of Ilorin. This proactive effort has helped to significantly reduce what used to be a perennial problem.

Departmental Support for SIWES Placement

Interviewer: In what ways does the department support students in securing SIWES placements?

Dr. Patrick:

Indeed, that has already been addressed to an extent. Recently, we took about 15 students to a training programme at Summit University, where they had opportunities to network and build professional connections. Such exposure is invaluable.

We also collaborate with organizations that come to train our students. For example, ILM Lexus is scheduled to visit next week, an opportunity made possible through departmental networking. These engagements, among others, are deliberate efforts to ensure students no longer face the difficulties that previously characterized SIWES placement.

Learning Outcomes from Internship

Interviewer: There is a belief that many students do not gain relevant skills during internship. How can students overcome this narrative?

Dr. Patrick:

That claim is debatable. From our experience, over 70 percent of students return from internship significantly transformed. When they come back, we assess them practically, and most demonstrate competence and confidence within the limits of our facilities.

Of course, we cannot expect 100 percent excellence. Some students may show deficiencies, often linked to individual seriousness. However, the majority convincingly show that internship has positively impacted them. Therefore, the assertion that students do not learn much is not entirely correct.

Internship Beyond Area of Specialization

Interviewer: Could the belief that students can intern anywhere regardless of specialization contribute to lack of interest?

Dr. Patrick:

That claim does not hold. We have Unilorin FM within our department, yet students from History, English, and even Engineering actively participate there. This shows that opportunities are often neglected by those who should naturally take advantage of them.

Society is evolving rapidly. With technology, disciplinary boundaries have become blurred. Someone studying History can take excellent photographs, while an Education student can run successful podcasts. Many people excelling in digital media today did not study Mass Communication.

Therefore, students should not limit themselves based on specialization. Many Mass Communication students undervalue opportunities around them, while others seize and excel in them. The claim that working outside one’s sequence is unhelpful is simply untrue.

Effective Use of Logbooks

Interviewer: How can students use their SIWES logbooks effectively?

Dr. Patrick:

Students are expected to make daily entries of activities carried out and have them endorsed weekly by their unit heads. You should not be a spectator; even when not assigned tasks, show willingness to learn.

Daily documentation is crucial. Waiting until the end of the week leads to omissions. During assessment, we scrutinize logbooks for consistency and substance. Sparse or incomplete entries affect grades.

Evidence is also very important. Attaching bylines, photographs, or samples of work strengthens credibility. I still have my bylines from my internship. A good supervisor’s remark alone is insufficient; documentation and evidence determine assessment outcomes.

Advice for Penultimate-Year Students

Interviewer: How can penultimate-year students successfully navigate SIWES?

Dr. Patrick:

The process is straightforward if handled properly. Avoid procrastination and record activities daily. Focus on value addition and skill acquisition rather than money.

Planning should begin as early as 100 level. By 300 level, students should already have a clear idea of where they intend to serve. Switching organizations midway due to lack of commitment disrupts continuity and hampers growth.

Internship demands seriousness, consistency, and dedication. When these are in place, students will naturally overcome most challenges and achieve the true purpose of SIWES.