How to Correctly Fill Out Your SIWES Logbook in the First Week
As an internship student, filling your SIWES logbook for the first week of training is not difficult, but it requires attention to detail.
In the first week, document your introduction to the company, orientation, and any initial tasks assigned to you.
Write about the company’s name, location, and the department you are assigned to.
Note any induction programs, safety briefings, or introductions to staff.
Describe any duties or activities you were involved in, even if they were simple observations.
Ensure your industry-based supervisor signs your logbook at the end of the week.
Here’s a sample medical laboratory logbook for the first week of training.
| WEEK 1 | |
| DAY | NATURE OF ACTIVITIES THAT MAKE UP JOB |
| MONDAY | Introduced to the laboratory, familiarization of the laboratory rules. |
| TUESDAY | Introduction into various departments. Introduced to other workers by the lab technician. |
| WEDNESDAY | Educated on the operations of machines in the laboratory and safety precautions. |
| THURSDAY | Orientated on the nature/procedure of work and activities carried out in the laboratory. |
| FRIDAY | Took part in cleaning and arrangement of the laboratory and pharmacy store. |
To avoid any issues with your SIWES logbook, follow these simple steps:
1. Fill It Daily or Weekly
Do not wait until the end of your program to start filling your logbook.
Instead, update it every day or at least every week.
If you are worried about making mistakes, first write your daily activities in a separate notebook before neatly transferring them to your logbook.
If your work involves drawings, practice sketching on a rough sheet before drawing in your logbook.
Complete all entries before submitting the logbook to your industry-based supervisor for signing at the end of each week.
2. Include Date and Time
Your logbook should be written in order of events.
Always write the correct start and end dates of the week in the provided spaces.
For each workday, include the date and the time you arrived at work.
3. Summarize Your Work
Some industries have a lot of tasks in a single day, making it difficult to fit everything in the logbook.
Instead of writing too much, summarize your activities and focus on the main tasks you completed.
If your workplace assigns weekly projects, you can write a continuous summary for the whole week.
Start by describing what you did on the first day and continue with the flow of tasks for the rest of the week.
4. Check Your Grammar and Spelling
Use clear and correct English while filling your logbook to make it professional.
Before writing in the logbook, review your notes and ensure they fit within the available space.
After writing, read through to check for any grammar or spelling mistakes.
5. Ask Your Supervisor for Guidance
Some firms and schools in Nigeria have specific formats for filling the logbook, especially those with shift work.
You can submit your logbook to your industrial supervisor at the end of the week for review and corrections.
Also, take the opportunity to ask your supervisor for guidance and mentorship.
This will help you learn more, improve your performance, and gain valuable industry experience.
