How to Get the Most Out of Your IT Placement

How to Get the Most Out of Your IT Placement

Your IT/SIWES placement is more than a requirement—it's your first real professional experience. Here's how to make every day count.

Before Your Placement

Set Clear Goals

What do you want to learn? What skills do you want to develop? Write down 3-5 specific objectives.

Brush Up on Skills

If you're going into a tech company, make sure you're comfortable with:

• Basic programming (Python, JavaScript, or your language of choice)
• Version control (Git/GitHub)
• Professional communication

Prepare Your Toolkit

• A reliable laptop
• A professional email address
• A LinkedIn profile
• A GitHub account (for tech placements)

During Your Placement

Week 1-2: Observe and Learn

• Understand the company's products and processes
• Learn the team's workflow and tools
• Ask questions—lots of them

Week 3-8: Contribute

• Take on tasks proactively
• Deliver quality work on time
• Seek feedback and iterate

Week 9+: Lead

• Propose improvements to existing processes
• Mentor newer interns if applicable
• Start your capstone project

After Your Placement

1. Update your resume with specific achievements
2. Request LinkedIn recommendations from supervisors
3. Stay in touch with colleagues—they're your professional network
4. Apply what you learned to your academic projects

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Treating it as just a school requirement
• ❌ Being passive and waiting for tasks
• ❌ Not keeping a detailed logbook
• ❌ Burning bridges when you leave

Tech Faculty's SIWES program ensures you get meaningful work experience, not just certificate completion. Apply today.