TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL I.T IN HOSPITAL ENVIROMENT: AN EMPLOYERS PERSPECTIVE BY OJO BOLA OLUWATOSIN (M.Sc, FMLSCN).

INTRODUCTION Any society that fails to be responsible for its youth will have to be concerned with the consequences of abandoning them. Therefore, no society can achieve meaningful progress without encouraging its youth to acquire necessary skill, such skill; enable them to harness available resources to meet the needs of the society. It was against this background that SIWES otherwise known as I.T was introduced in Nigeria in 1973.

SIWES Student industrial work experience scheme is a skill training programme designed to expose and prepare student of university or institution of higher learning. This training is a key factor in enhancing the efficiency and expertise of the workforce (Akerejola, 2008). Oyelade (1990) stated that the work experience is an educational program in which students participate in work activities while attending school. This work experience program gives student the opportunity to be part of an actual work situation outside the classroom.

SIWES CONTD SIWES is a corporative industrial internship programmes that involves institution of higher learning, industries ITF, NUC and NBTE in Nigeria. And as such it forms part of the approved minimum academic standards for these institutions.

OBJECTIVES The specific objectives of SIWES were summarized by the Federal Government in its gazette of April, 1978 as follows: To provide an avenue for students in institution of higher learning to acquire industrial skills and experiences in their course of study

To provide students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge in real work and actual practice. To make the transition from school to the world of work easier and to enhance student’s contacts for later jobs placement. (Akerejola, 2008).

It is important to know exactly what employers look for when hiring SIWES students. In addition to relevant skills, employers seek students who have the personal value.

TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL SIWES PROGRAMME DEPENDABILITY AND RESPONSIBILITY Employers value students who come to work on time; be there when they are suppose to be, and are responsible for their action and behaviour. It is important to keep your supervisor abreast of changes in your schedule or if you are going to be late for any reason.

STRONG WORK ETHIC Every employers value students who understand and possess a willingness to work hard. In this depressed economy where Unemployment is a major problem, it is important to recognize the personal value and attributes employers want to improve your chance of getting job in case you finish your study.

POSSESING A POSITIVE ATTITUDE Employers likes student who take initiative and have the motivation to get job done in a reasonable period of time. A positive attitude gets the work done and motivates others to do the same without dwelling on the challenges that inevitably come up in any job. It is the enthusiast students who creates an environment of good will and provides a positive role model for others.

ADAPTABILITY Employers seek students who are adaptable and maintain flexibility in completing a task in an ever changing workplace. Adaptability also means adapting to the personality and work habit of other students, staff of the industry. Each person possesses their own set or strengths and adapting personal behavior to accommodate others is part of what it takes to work effectively as a team.

HONESTY AND INTEGRITY Employers value student who maintain a sense of honesty and integrity above all else. Good relationships are built on trust. As IT students, they want to know if they can trust you by what you say or do. Therefore, it is the responsibility of everyone to use their own individual sense of moral and behavior when working with or serving otherwise in the scope of their job.

SELF MOTIVATION Employers look for students who require little supervision and direction to get the work done in a timely and professional manner. Students need to be motivated but when the motivation is not forthcoming, it is better to motivate yourself most especially because of the importance of the scheme to your life. But then an employer will do their part by offering a safe support work environment that offers the student to learn and grow

MOTIVATED TO LEARN AND GROW In an ever changing work place, employers seek students who are interested in keeping up with new development and knowledge in the field. Learning new skill techniques or method is a welcome development.

SELF CONFIDENCE This is required as the key ingredient between someone who is successful and someone whom is not. A self confident person is a person that inspires others. He or she is not afraid to ask questions on topics where they feel they need more knowledge, they feel little need to have to impress others in what they know since they feel comfortable with themselves and don’t they feel they need to know everything. Self confident students will also admit his/her mistake, they recognize their strength and their weakness are willingly to work on the later.

PROFESSIONALISM Employers value students who exhibit professional behaviours at all times. Professional behaviour involves; learning every aspects of a job and doing it to the best of one’s ability. Professionals look, speak and dress accordingly to maintain the image of the industry.

LOYALTY Employers value students who exhibit their loyalty to the company. Aligning an employee’s value with the goals of the organization will foster loyalty and a bond between employer and student

SAFETY All I.T students should be aware of the safety precautions before working.

CONCLUSION SIWES plays a significant role in human resource development in Nigeria. Students should therefore be aware of what the present society holds for them and adapt accordingly. This can only be facilitated by educator (lecturer) and practitioner in the industry, with adequate provision of infrastructure. However, need to expose trainee to facilities can’t be over emphasized. There must be competence among the educator (lecturer) and Practitioner in the field.

RECOMMENDATION SIWES is a good scheme; no doubt that; school should revise their curricula and introduce new courses to meets the needs of employer in public and private sectors. WAEC has taken a bold step in this direction by introducing a new subject in their curriculum. Some these courses will expose student to areas of self employment and personal ownership. SIWES students should also be prepared for this kind of employment environment. Therefore related self employment opportunities must be included in the programme.

REFERENCES All works consulted were duly referenced. Akerejola (2008). Information and guidelines for student industrial work experience scheme. Available http// Oyedele JP (1990). Cooperative work experience programme for youths in business education J. 2; 30; 53.

WISH YOU SUCCESS IN PRESENT AND FUTURE PURSUIT. THANKS FOR LISTENING AND GOD BLESS