By Lesley Tinashe Maniwa

The industrial attachment or the internship is usually a period of 8 months of work related learning experience for a student that was designed by colleges in Zimbabwe and other countries world over. The aim of the Industrial attachment period is to equip and prepare students to be fit for the corporate world. It is part of the requirements of what students have to go through before they are released as a complete product upon graduation.

Finding a place for attachment in Zimbabwe has become a hustle, and being a college student in Zimbabwe, I have had my fair share of experiences which I have found useful and can be shared to help you on your quest to get industrial attachment.

1. You don’t have much choice

Most students get it wrong when they tend to believe that they have a choice when it comes to companies they want to be attached to. However, in Zimbabwe it can be very dangerous because that same spot you want there are other thousands of students wanting to be attached at the same place too. Every student will be having a big company name in his or her mind. Everyone wants to be attached at big companies like Econet, Zesa, Old Mutual, CBZ Holdings, ZimPlats, Mimosa, CABS, Delta Beverages, Innscor amongst others.

Remove your focus on these big names my friend. I believe that as a student the only option you have is to cast your net wide that way you will never miss it. You may not always get your dream attachment place. Take this classical situation, at first students will be shunning the Government Institutions just because most of them don’t pay interns. The funny part of it is when all your options have turned out to be unfruitful, time is ticking and then you will see that you don’t have an option but to go to the government and beg for a place so that you can be able to progress with your studies.

So my advice to you is that cast your net wide if something comes up on your way take it even if it’s not what you wanted, take it. Something will always come up and you can change. The first attachment job I got was at one company in Chinhoyi, they gave me an offer, and I accepted the the HR Manager said if you get a better option Lesley you can always change. Within the next 2 weeks I got other offers and I had to choose the one which was best for me.

2. Create connections or networks

One thing that am sure will work for you are connections, that I’m 100% sure of.

To those due for attachment starting July 2017 am sure that by now you should have created connections with the following groups of people.

➢ Students who are going for attachment and those coming from attachment. Your colleagues who are currently on attachment will link you up with their bosses and it can be easy for you to get a place for attachment.

➢ Your lecturers and college industrial liaison. Lecturers play a major role when it comes to finding a place for attachment, for your information, 90% of the interviews I attended were organized by my school lecturers. I just got calls from companies inviting me for interviews and I could not remember sending my CVs to the companies but my lecturers and the college did a great job for me and I really appreciate.

➢ Your relatives, family friends, church colleagues, this may sound awkward and corrupt but believe me if you have a relative who has a high post or links to companies that you wish to be attached to, then you have to make use of them. Keep in touch with them and they can help you out.

3. Work for good grades.

I know that when we are at college we will be busy fooling each other saying that distinctions don’t matter what matters is just passing. If you are one of those people who subscribe to that then you need to change your mentality because good passes do matter companies do need students with distinctions and if you have good passes chances are high that you will secure a place for attachment of your dream. So work hard, play hard.

4. Do your applications on time

It should go without saying, but you should find out when the companies that you wish to apply to will be taking a new group of attachés. Once you have the information make sure you send your applications on time so that you won’t miss the opportunity. (You can even send in application in advance)

5. Prayer

Prayer is the most important thing in everything you do; it is a way of communicating to God. Pray to God tell him what you want and he will surely answer you. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

Conclusion

Obtaining a place for attachment doesn’t have to be an overly stressful experience. I hope the tips I have shared with you will help you.

Lesley is a final year Human Resources Management Student at National University of Science and Technology and can be contacted +263771 191 863, you can also follow him on Facebook and Twitter.