SIWES Placement for Mass Communication Students in Nigeria

Finding a good SIWES placement as a Mass Communication student can be frustrating, especially when you are not sure which organisations are relevant to your course or whether a particular company will accept you.

Mass Communication students are eligible for the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES). The Industrial Training Fund lists Mass Communication among the courses approved for SIWES, under the Information Technology category.

What matters, however, is not simply finding a company willing to sign your SIWES letter. You should look for a placement where you can gain practical experience in journalism, broadcasting, public relations, digital media, advertising, content production or another area connected to Mass Communication.

This guide explains where Mass Communication students can do SIWES in Nigeria, the types of organisations to approach, the work you may be expected to do and how to improve your chances of getting accepted.

Do Mass Communication Students Go for SIWES?

Yes.

Mass Communication is officially listed by the Industrial Training Fund as one of the disciplines approved for SIWES.

You may also hear students refer to the programme simply as IT, meaning Industrial Training.

In everyday conversation, students may say:

“I am looking for a place to do my IT.”

For eligible students, that industrial attachment may be carried out under SIWES.

The purpose is to expose students to real working conditions and allow them to apply what they have learnt in school. ITF describes SIWES as a way of helping students acquire practical industrial skills, experience the workplace and bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional practice.

For a Mass Communication student, this means your placement should ideally involve actual communication work rather than spending the entire training period doing unrelated administrative tasks.

Where Can Mass Communication Students Do SIWES in Nigeria?

Mass Communication is broad, so you are not limited to television stations or newspapers.

Depending on your interests, you can apply to organisations involved in broadcasting, journalism, public relations, advertising, photography, video production, publishing, corporate communications and digital media.

Here are some of the most suitable places to consider.

1. Radio Stations

Radio stations are among the most obvious places for Mass Communication students to gain practical experience.

Depending on the station and department, you may learn about:

news gathering;
script writing;
programme production;
studio operations;
presenting;
interviewing;
audio editing;
news reporting;
voice-over production;
social media management.

Students interested in broadcasting, journalism or presentation should seriously consider radio.

Do not limit your applications to the biggest stations in your state. Smaller private and community radio stations may also provide useful hands-on experience.

Before applying, find out whether the station has previously accepted students for industrial attachment.

2. Television Stations

Television gives Mass Communication students exposure to both the editorial and technical sides of broadcasting.

A student attached to a television organisation may be exposed to:

television reporting;
newsroom operations;
script writing;
video editing;
camera operation;
production assistance;
programme planning;
interviewing;
social media;
news research.

If you hope to work in television journalism, presenting, documentary production or video content after graduation, a television station can be a particularly useful placement.

Competition for placements at major television stations can be high, so apply early and consider regional and state-based broadcasters as well.

3. Newspapers and News Organisations

Students interested in journalism can approach newspapers and other news organisations.

Your duties could include:

researching stories;
attending assignments;
conducting interviews;
writing reports;
rewriting press releases;
fact-checking;
editing;
monitoring news developments;
preparing online articles.

Modern newspapers are no longer limited to print. Many operate websites, social media pages, video channels and other digital platforms.

That means students can gain experience in both traditional journalism and digital publishing.

4. Online News and Digital Media Companies

You do not necessarily have to work in a traditional newsroom.

Nigeria now has many digital publications producing news, business reports, entertainment stories, videos, explainers and social media content.

A digital media placement may give you experience in:

online journalism;
SEO writing;
headline writing;
content management systems;
social media publishing;
basic graphics;
video production;
audience analytics;
fact-checking;
content research.

This can be particularly useful for students interested in becoming digital journalists, content writers, editors or social media professionals.

However, investigate the organisation before accepting a placement. A functioning editorial operation where you will receive supervision is much more useful than a website that simply asks interns to copy articles from other websites.

5. Public Relations Agencies

Public relations is another strong option for Mass Communication students.

A PR agency may expose you to:

press releases;
media relations;
corporate communication;
event communication;
press monitoring;
client communication;
reputation management;
media reports;
campaign planning;
crisis communication.

If you are interested in corporate communications rather than journalism, this could be a better fit than a newspaper or broadcasting station.

6. Advertising Agencies

Mass Communication students can also consider advertising agencies.

Depending on the agency, you may be exposed to:

copywriting;
campaign development;
brand communication;
creative concepts;
media planning;
client service;
digital advertising;
market research;
social media campaigns.

This is particularly relevant if you enjoy writing, branding, marketing or creative communication.

Advertising agencies can also expose you to professionals working in graphic design, strategy, photography and video production.

7. Corporate Communications Departments

Many large organisations have communications, public affairs, media or marketing departments.

These departments may be found in:

banks;
telecommunications companies;
manufacturing companies;
universities;
hospitals;
NGOs;
government agencies;
technology companies;
large retail businesses.

A Mass Communication student working with a corporate communications team may assist with:

internal newsletters;
press releases;
website content;
social media;
event coverage;
photography;
media monitoring;
stakeholder communication;
corporate publications.

This can be a good option for students who would like to work in corporate communications after graduation.

8. Government Information and Public Affairs Offices

Government ministries, agencies and public institutions often have information or public relations departments.

Depending on the office, students may gain experience in:

public information;
press releases;
event coverage;
official photography;
media monitoring;
public awareness campaigns;
speech preparation;
stakeholder communication.

Check with your school’s SIWES coordinator before accepting a placement to make sure the organisation and department meet your institution’s requirements.

9. Photography Studios

Photography can also provide relevant practical training, particularly for students interested in photojournalism, visual storytelling and media production.

Interestingly, ITF’s current online employer-request page includes a photography organisation requesting students in Photography, Mass Communication, Film and Theatre Arts.

Depending on the studio, you may learn:

photography;
lighting;
photo editing;
event coverage;
visual storytelling;
client communication;
content production.

A studio where you actively participate in production will be more useful than one where you spend the entire attachment handling errands.

10. Video Production and Film Companies

Production companies can be suitable for Mass Communication students interested in audiovisual communication.

Possible areas of experience include:

camera work;
script development;
production planning;
video editing;
directing assistance;
interviews;
documentaries;
post-production;
social media videos.

This is especially relevant for students interested in television production, documentaries, YouTube production or filmmaking.

11. Social Media and Digital Marketing Agencies

Social media has become a major part of modern communication.

A reputable digital marketing agency can expose a student to:

social media strategy;
content calendars;
copywriting;
community management;
short-form video;
analytics;
digital campaigns;
brand communication.

Do not choose a digital marketing company simply because it uses the word “media” in its name. Find out what the company actually does and what you will be learning.

Examples of Organisations You Can Investigate

Depending on your location, you can investigate media organisations operating around you, including radio stations, television stations, newspapers, PR agencies, advertising agencies and production companies.

For example, a student in Lagos may investigate organisations such as major television broadcasters, newspapers, radio stations, communications agencies and digital media companies operating in the state.

Students in Abuja, Port Harcourt, Benin City, Ibadan, Enugu, Kaduna and other cities can do the same within their locations.

The important point is this:

Do not assume that an organisation currently accepts SIWES students simply because it is a media company.

Call, email or visit the organisation to confirm.

ITF also operates an online SIWES portal where students can search for employers requesting SIWES students and submit requests for attachment.

The employer-request page has recently included requests specifically mentioning Mass Communication students, confirming that opportunities do appear on the platform.

How to Find a Mass Communication SIWES Placement

Finding a placement becomes easier when you stop depending on just one method.

Start with your school’s SIWES office

Ask your department or SIWES coordinator whether previous Mass Communication students have been placed with particular organisations.

This can save you considerable time.

If an organisation has accepted students from your school before, it may be more familiar with your institution’s SIWES requirements.

Use the official ITF SIWES portal

ITF allows students to search for companies looking for SIWES students and make attachment requests online.

Do not rely entirely on the portal, but include it in your search.

Search for organisations around you

Use Google Search and Google Maps to find:

radio stations near you;
TV stations;
PR agencies;
advertising agencies;
newspapers;
digital marketing agencies;
photography studios;
production companies.

Create a list instead of applying randomly.

For example:

Organisation	Location	Contact	Application sent	Response
Radio Station A	Lagos	Email	Yes	Pending
PR Agency B	Lagos	Website	Yes	Interview
Newspaper C	Lagos	HR Office	Yes	No response

This simple approach helps you keep track of applications.

Ask senior students

Students who completed SIWES before you can be one of your best sources of information.

Ask them:

where they trained;
whether the organisation accepts students regularly;
how they applied;
whether they were interviewed;
what documents were requested;
what type of work they did.

The last question is particularly important.

A company accepting students does not necessarily mean it provides a good training experience.

Documents You May Need When Applying

Requirements vary between organisations, but you should be prepared with:

your school’s SIWES or industrial training letter;
a simple CV;
an application letter;
school ID card;
passport photograph where requested;
any SIWES forms provided by your institution.

An organisation may ask for additional documents.

Your application letter should state:

your name;
institution;
course of study;
level;
proposed training period;
why you are applying to the organisation.

Keep it short.

The goal is not to tell your entire life story. The organisation needs to understand who you are, why you are writing and when you need the placement.

Apply Early

One of the biggest mistakes students make is waiting until the attachment is about to begin.

Popular media organisations may receive applications from students from several universities and polytechnics.

Start looking well before your school’s deadline.

If ten students apply for the remaining two spaces a few days before training begins, having a strong CV may not matter very much.

The spaces are simply limited.

Do You Have to Do SIWES at a Radio or Television Station?

No.

This is an important misconception.

Mass Communication is broader than broadcasting.

A suitable placement could involve journalism, public relations, advertising, digital media, photography, corporate communications, publishing, video production or another communication-related field.

Think about what you want to learn.

A student interested in PR may gain more useful experience at a communications agency than at a radio station.

Someone interested in journalism may benefit more from a newsroom.

Someone interested in content production may be better suited to a production company or digital publisher.

The name of the organisation matters less than the quality and relevance of the work you will actually do.

What Should a Mass Communication Student Learn During SIWES?

By the end of your industrial training, you should ideally have gained practical experience that complements what you study in school.

Depending on your placement, that could include:

writing professionally;
interviewing people;
researching information;
editing written content;
handling audio or video;
understanding newsroom routines;
communicating with clients;
writing press releases;
using publishing tools;
covering events;
managing social media content;
meeting deadlines;
working with editors and supervisors;
understanding workplace ethics.

You do not have to learn all of these.

The skills will depend on your organisation and department.

What Should You Put in Your SIWES Logbook?

Your logbook should reflect the work you actually performed and what you learnt.

For example, a student working in a radio station might record activities such as:

observing preparation for a morning programme;
assisting with news research;
learning basic audio editing;
preparing interview questions;
observing studio operations;
assisting with social media updates.

A student working in a PR agency might record:

preparing a media monitoring report;
assisting with a press release;
researching journalists and publications;
attending a campaign planning meeting;
helping prepare content for a client’s social media page.

Do not invent activities you did not perform.

ITF’s SIWES system includes provisions for students to complete their logbooks and the end-of-programme Form 8, with employers participating in supervision and assessment.

What If You Cannot Find a Placement?

Do not wait until the last minute before telling your department.

Speak with your:

SIWES coordinator;
departmental coordinator;
course adviser;
industrial training office.

Your school may know organisations that regularly accept students.

You should also broaden your search.

If every student in your class is applying to the same three television stations, look at:

local radio stations;
PR agencies;
reputable online publishers;
advertising agencies;
production companies;
photography studios;
corporate communications departments.

A smaller organisation that allows you to participate in real work can sometimes provide better practical experience than a famous company where you spend months with little responsibility.

Can You Do Mass Communication SIWES at a Newspaper?

Yes, provided your institution approves the placement.

Newspapers are particularly relevant for students interested in journalism, reporting, editing and digital publishing.

Today, many newspapers also operate websites, video platforms and social media channels, so the experience may extend beyond print journalism.

Can You Do SIWES at a Radio Station?

Yes.

Radio is one of the most relevant options for students interested in broadcasting.

Possible areas include production, news, presentation, reporting, studio operations and digital content.

Can You Do SIWES at a PR or Advertising Agency?

Yes, subject to your school’s approval.

Both fields are closely connected to Mass Communication and can provide valuable experience in professional communication.

Can Mass Communication Students Do SIWES at a Bank?

Possibly, but the department matters.

Working in an unrelated banking role would offer little connection to your programme.

However, if the organisation places you in a communications, public affairs, marketing, content or media department and your school approves it, the experience could be relevant.

Always confirm with your SIWES coordinator before accepting an unusual placement.

Does ITF Help Students Find SIWES Placements?

ITF provides an online system through which students can view employers seeking SIWES students and submit requests for attachment.

Students are also expected to actively search for placements.

ITF’s guidance lists searching for placements online, requesting attachment and viewing employer requests among the activities available to students.

Do not therefore wait for a company to contact you.

Use your institution, the ITF portal, direct applications and personal research together.

Choosing the Right Mass Communication SIWES Placement

Do not judge a placement only by the popularity of the organisation.

Before accepting an offer, ask yourself:

Will I be doing communication-related work?

Is there someone who can supervise me?

Will I have opportunities to learn?

Does my school approve this kind of organisation?

Can I realistically commute there throughout the training period?

A placement should help you understand how communication work is carried out outside the classroom.

Whether that happens inside a radio studio, newsroom, PR agency, production company or corporate communications department is secondary.

The most important thing is that you leave the training with practical skills and a clearer understanding of the profession.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mass Communication approved for SIWES in Nigeria?

Yes. The Industrial Training Fund lists Mass Communication among the courses approved for participation in SIWES.

Where is the best place for a Mass Communication student to do SIWES?

There is no single best organisation for every student. Suitable options include radio stations, television stations, newspapers, digital media organisations, PR agencies, advertising agencies, production companies and corporate communications departments.

Choose according to the area of Mass Communication you want to develop.

Is Industrial Training the same as SIWES?

Students often use “IT” to refer generally to their industrial attachment. SIWES is the formal Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme administered with the involvement of ITF and other stakeholders for approved programmes.

Can I do my Mass Communication SIWES in a photography studio?

It can be relevant where the placement provides training in photography, visual communication or content production and is approved by your institution. ITF’s employer-request platform has also carried a request from a photography organisation that included Mass Communication among the courses sought.

How do I know whether a company accepts SIWES students?

Contact the organisation directly, ask your school’s SIWES office, check with previous students and review current employer requests on the official ITF SIWES portal.

Do not rely on an old online list without confirming that the organisation still accepts students.

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