An Unforgettable Student Work Experience (SWEP)
A part of the August edition focused on the Student Workshop Experience Programme (SWEP), 2021/2022 Session
Welcome to the August 2023 edition of The Computer Newsletter. This edition is focused on the Student Workshop Experience Programme (SWEP) 2021-2022 Session.
This is the second article in the edition by Akinuliola Abimbola, Computer Science with Mathematics student, Part 2.
SWEP 200 was a pivotal point in my academic journey; little did I know that it would be academically and personally productive. This write-up narrates my SWEP 200 experiences, which I will forever hold onto because it has affected my life greatly.
The first week of SWEP 200 introduced some things we would meet in real life. Our SWEP 200 orientation program was held at the popular Amphitheatre; it wasn’t a good experience for me because I had to sit on a concrete floor for some hours a day, but at the end of the first week, I discovered that it was worth it, and I was happy.
Some of the topics given that day were:
● History and spread of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) in Nigeria;
● Entrepreneurship: emerging concepts, definitions in the global village;
● Fire Awareness and Prevention and some other topics.
Some of the lectures I enjoyed the most were the lectures on Entrepreneurship and Fire Awareness and Prevention. These were real eye-openers to real-life experiences and how to navigate life if I encounter similar situations.
At the end of the first week, I knew there was a lot, so I had to sit up. At the end of the first week, we were divided into various departments to focus more on our field. I was eager to know the practical application of all the theoretical stuff we had been taught. I was so excited when we started the practical section.
The essence of the SWEP 200 was to be able to lay hands-on projects, and this was provided to us. My group members and I were able to get a topic, which was to build an auto surveillance system.
This system was to check out any suspicious movement around the place where the surveillance system was mounted. This experience taught me the importance of thinking outside the box and embracing unconventional solutions.
In the industrial realm, collaboration is the backbone of success, which is why we were grouped. During this work experience, I worked with diverse minds, each bringing unique perspectives.
The exchange of ideas and brainstorming sessions were intellectually stimulating; they fostered a culture of mutual respect. This taught me the importance of teamwork and what we could achieve if we put our minds together.
The industrial world is continuously changing, and adaptability is crucial for survival. We were taught how to harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI is a very powerful tool, and knowing the right tool to bring it to reality.
I learned that staying updated with the latest trends and being open to change is vital for professional growth. This insight would serve as a guiding principle throughout my career.
In conclusion, as the days turned into weeks, I realized that this work experience was about acquiring technical skills, making memories with bright minds, and building one’s network of people.
My interactions with colleagues from diverse backgrounds broadened my horizons and made me more emphatic towards different perspectives.
I want to use this medium to say a very big thank you to the Department of Computer Science and Engineering and the Faculty for pouring knowledge into us and the organizers of this wonderful work experience.
I would also like to thank all our senior colleagues who took the time to prepare and impact all of these in us. Thank you so much, and God bless you.
You can read the main article of the August edition below.