Essential Guide To Filling A SIWES Logbook: Tips And Best Practices

Every student undertaking the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) knows the importance of maintaining a well-documented logbook. This logbook serves not only as a record of what you’ve done during your internship but also as a vital tool for assessing your learning and growth. Properly filling out your logbook can significantly impact your final report and overall evaluation, making it crucial to understand how to do it effectively.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the key elements of a SIWES logbook, including essential information to include and tips for maintaining accuracy and professionalism. Whether you are a first-time intern or looking to refine your skills, knowing how to navigate your logbook will serve you well in your academic and professional journey.

Logbooks are not just administrative tools; they can also reflect your personal experiences and insights gained throughout your training. By learning how to fill them out correctly, you not only adhere to institutional guidelines but also create a valuable resource for your future self. Let’s dive into the details that make a logbook effective and informative!

What is SIWES?

SIWES, or the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme, is an essential program for students in various fields of study. It provides them with practical experience in their chosen professions, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world situations. This experience is crucial for personal and professional development, making it an invaluable part of the academic journey.

What is a SIWES logbook?

A SIWES logbook is a systematic record of a student's activities during their internship. It serves as a diary that tracks tasks performed, skills acquired, and reflections on experiences encountered during the training period. This logbook is not just a requirement but also an opportunity for students to document their learning journey.

How to fill a SIWES logbook correctly

Filling a SIWES logbook correctly involves documenting various aspects of your experience. It's essential to be thorough and timely in your entries to ensure accuracy and completeness. Below are the critical components to include.

1. Student’s personal and academic information

• Your passport photo (properly stapled)
• Your full name (starting with your surname)
• Your student ID number
• The name of the university/college/etc.
• Your program of study/faculty/year of study
• Your phone/GSM number
• Your gender
• Name of training officer/supervisor
• Name of organization/company
• Name of training department(s)
• Your address
• Your next of kin's details

2. The details of the organization training the student is training

Document the name, address, and contact information of the organization where you are interning. It’s also beneficial to include a brief description of the company and its operations to provide context.

3. The student’s daily attendance register

Maintain a daily attendance record to show your commitment and punctuality. This section should reflect the days you attended and any significant events or meetings you participated in.

4. Supervisor’s assessment page

• Punctuality.
• Concentration.
• Observation.
• Work quality.
• Time and duration for the jobs.
• Solving problems encountered during the jobs.
• Professionalism in carrying out your duties.
• Leadership quality during the job.

5. The student's final remarks on the SIWES program and the training organization

This section allows you to reflect on your overall experience. Share insights on what you learned, challenges faced, and how this experience has influenced your career aspirations.

6. The supervisor's remarks and signature page

Finally, ensure you have a designated area for your supervisor to provide feedback and sign your logbook. This endorsement is crucial as it validates your experience and commitment.

Samples of blank and filled SIWES logbook PDFs

• Cover page
• Student information page
• Activities page
• Organization profile page
• Diagram page
• Supervisor’s page
• Monthly evaluation page
• Student’s suggestion page
• Attendance register page
• Remarks and signature page

How to fill SIWES logbook for various disciplines

Different disciplines may require specific details in the logbook. Here, we will discuss how to tailor your logbook for fields such as Medical Laboratory, Computer Science, Architecture, Mass Communication, and Electrical Engineering.

How do you write a good logbook?

• Meetings you attended and your contributions.
• Completed tasks or projects.
• Notes from tours of laboratories.
• The research you conducted and where/what you explored.
• Calculations.
• Library/internet searches.
• Official phone calls.
• Corporate interviews.
• Programs or software you used to complete your tasks.
• Meetings with mentors or advisors.
• Discussions with teammates.

How do I write a SIWES report?

• Do write a few days to the end of your training programme: Start from the day you began the training.
• Keep the logbook neat: Scribble your entries in a notebook and review them before transferring the details to the logbook.
• Use legible handwriting: The size of your handwriting should be easy for the training coordinator to read.
• Your logbook entries should be orderly and consistent: Each day's entry should start on a new page.
• Computer filling: Make folders and subfolders for projects if your logbook entries are in soft copy. Please use a standardized naming format.
• Summarize your work at the end of the day or week: Use lists and pictorial presentations like graphs, tables, and charts where possible.
• Write a conclusion: The summaries at the end of experiments and research work will help you write a meaningful conclusion.

How do I pay for SIWES?

• Visit the SIWES website.
• Click on the "Get Started" link below.
• Enter your "Matriculation Number" to access the pre-payment page.
• Verify your "profile information" on the pre-payment page.
• Click "Make Payment."
• Select "SIWES dues and Logbook Charges."
• After payment, a message containing your "username" and "password" is sent to the email account you have on your student profile.
• Use the "username" and "password" to sign in and complete your SIWES registration.
• After completing your registration, a day will be scheduled for you to collect your SIWES logbook and other documents.