Why I Wear the Iron Ring
I've told the story many times over the years about how I went to university to become a veterinarian and came out an industrial engineer. Growing up, I had not given a second thought to engineering and it was only in my first year of university when my math grades were so good and my biology grades were so bad that I took a chance and made the switch. I know a lot of people who wanted to become engineers their whole lives or came from a long line of engineers in their family. I had none of that to bring to the table... I kind of just stumbled upon it by process of elimination.
Having said that, I have to admit that in the beginning, the engineering degree was just a switch in majors but it very quickly became a passion of mine the more I learned about the profession. For example, one of the things that really fascinated me was the ritual of the iron ring. It is unique to Canadian engineers and it has very meaningful beginnings.
The Quebec Bridge
As the story goes...in the early 20th century, there was a rail and pedestrian bridge that was built across the Saint Lawrence River in Canada that failed not once...but twice as it was being constructed. Not only did the steel truss bridge take years to complete but many lives were lost along the way. It was from this tragic tale that the iron ring was born. When I first heard the story I understood that the original iron rings were made from the twisted steel remains of the bridge. I'm not sure if that was ever really the case, but there is no doubt that the tradition of the steel pinky ring (worn on your writing hand) came from it's collapse to remind engineers of their commitment to ethical and professional behavior.
The Importance & Symbols of the Iron Ring
So here are a few additional tidbits of information about the ring worn by every Canadian engineer...
It is given to you at graduation in a private ceremony, only attended by fellow engineers
The ritual of the calling of an engineer was created in 1922 by Rudyard Kipling at which you take the "Obligation of an Engineer":
I am an Engineer.
In my profession, I take deep pride.
To it, I owe solemn obligations.
As an engineer, I pledge to practice integrity and fair dealing, tolerance and respect, and to uphold devotion to the standards and dignity of my profession.
I will always be conscious that my skill carries with it the obligation to serve humanity by making the best use of the Earth's precious wealth.
As an engineer, I shall participate in none but honest enterprises.
When needed, my skill and knowledge shall be given, without reservation, for the public good.
In the performance of duty, and in fidelity to my profession, I shall give my utmost.
The iron ring is placed on your pinky finger by an engineer of your choosing. In my case it was my favorite professor who inspired me on the days when I didn't think I would make it
You get your iron ring upon graduation but you don't get your professional engineering status, license and stamp until you have logged enough practical hours under the mentorship of a professional engineer and pass your final certification exams. The iron ring is meant to act as a reminder (as you certify and sign engineering drawings) of the solemn oath you took to to be socially responsible and to maintain the highest standards of professional conduct
Your iron ring is cataloged and given to you "on loan" to be worn throughout your lifetime. It is to be returned to your "camp" once you are done with it - it cannot be gifted or inherited (only exception is if it is passed to another engineer)
The Connection to Today
I did practice industrial and mechanical engineering for the first few years of my career designing and signing off on numerous projects before I migrated to information technology. All that time I continued to wear the ring that gave me so much pride and symbolism of the oath I took. As the years went by...we moved to the United States where the iron ring held little meaning or had no recognition so I stopped wearing it.
This summer I made it my plan to dig out my iron ring to wear it once again for no one else...other than me. The symbolism it represents and the oath I took carries forward even though I am no longer a practicing engineer.
Lastly, when I look at the world around us full of such disregard for others, divisive language & behavior, anger, name calling, hate towards fellow citizens and tolerance for the intolerable I decided that it all begins with each of us. We could all use symbols to remind us of humility, social responsibility and acting with high standards of professional conduct. I remind myself often that I work for an amazing company and with people that share my core values so maybe there is hope that we can move forward in this world to eventually regain some of what has been lost. One kind act...one reminder at a time.
In Closing...
The bridge collapse while immensely tragic, which ended in twisted and broken steel, brought forth a lot of reform and good to the engineering profession. Sometimes it is from the unthinkable that change is possible and in this case the ritual of the iron ring has inspired generations of engineers to act with integrity and care with every design they sign their name to. I think the metaphor carries over to all aspects of our various professions...not just engineering. For us it is the iron ring...what will it be for YOU?
Leadership Questions of the Week for YOU:
What do you think of the story of the iron ring? Had you heard it before?
Even though the world has moved on to more electronic signature and drawings so you think there is still a place for symbolism like the iron ring for engineers?
What are YOUR thoughts on the connection to today? Do you have a similar symbol that reminds you of your obligation to approach things with humility and professionalism....to do what's right even in the face of all that is going on in the world?
Can you think of other aspects of your life (work or personal) where you employ symbols to motivate you in the right direction...to keep going on the days you feel like giving up?
Thanks for reading and remember....YOU make a difference!
Please continue the conversation by liking…commenting or sharing this article. You can also follow me on twitter @marciedwhite
