NSWC Crane rapidly strengthens relationship with Cleveland State University, named New Employer of the Year

Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane) was named New Employer of the Year by the Washkewicz College of Engineering at Cleveland State University (CSU) in May of 2023.

John Bings, a Lead Recruiter at NSWC Crane, said this is a recognition of a strong and growing relationship with the Washkewicz College of Engineering.

“NSWC Crane started recruiting at Cleveland State University in 2021,” said Bings. “In this short amount of time, we have hired and offered roles to quite a few graduates. Washkewicz College recognized us with this award and we have a great relationship with the university.”

Erin Elosh, the Senior Manager of Cooperative Education at CSU’s Washkewicz College of Engineering, said she noticed NSWC Crane’s recruitment efforts.

“I recognized the consistent recruiting efforts made early on and when students started getting hired, I had received nothing but positive responses about their experiences,” said Elosh. “NSWC Crane has had a presence not only in our Engineering and Computer Science Connections career fairs every fall and spring semester since Fall 2021, but also has participated in industry presentations and tabling events held in the College of Engineering to increase visibility and exposure to more students.”

Elosh said that in those two years, both NSWC Crane and Washkewicz College of Engineering have had success.

“I believe we have six Washkewicz College alum now working for NSWC Crane, and we are working towards getting some co-ops/interns there as well,” said Elosh. “The willingness [of NSWC Crane] to continue to visit and build on establishing a name on our campus with the results already seen had led to our office deciding to award our Fenn Co-op New Employer of the Year to NSWC Crane. Our College and Co-op Program are celebrating our 100-year anniversary this year as well, and it felt extra special to be able to present this award to a company that I am sure will help our students over the next 100 years.”

Nathan Dixon, an employee at NSWC Crane and recent CSU Washkewicz College of Engineering graduate, says he has enjoyed his experience at NSWC Crane.

“Crane has given me amazing opportunities to experience how what I learned in school is applicable to the real world,” said Dixon. “Between the numerous projects, career development opportunities, and hands-on experiences, working at Crane has provided a unique environment to grow that I couldn't have found anywhere else!”

In a few short years, NSWC Crane has shown the wide variety of career paths available at the Navy research and development laboratory in  Southern Indiana.

“Through our relationship with CSU, we’ve been able to meet with regional students and have been judges in student research competitions in northern Ohio,” said Bings. “NSWC Crane is in a neighboring state, and it’s great to reach students who may not know about NSWC Crane at all and bring them on board.” 

Bings said he is excited about the growing partnership with CSU and the Washkewicz College of Engineering.

“Over time, NSWC Crane can become an established employer for Washkewicz College at Cleveland State University graduates,” said Bings. “NSWC Crane’s mission of supporting the warfighter resonates well with Ohio students. Becoming an established employer for Washkewicz College of Engineering at CSU may lead to more opportunities to recruit students from northern Ohio, which will help ensure Crane will always have the pipeline of scientists and engineers needed to complete our mission.”