The steel ring, notable for its simplicity of engineering, is placed on the little finger of his right hand, his dominant hand. The ring symbolizes the strength of the profession as it touches all that he will do. Along with his fellow graduating classmates, he takes the ceremonial oath of his profession to serve “the public good” as member of the Order of the Engineer. This organization upholds the integrity and obligation of the profession. With a sense of accomplishment, a smile spreads across his face.
This graduation season, my friend earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering. His ring and his oath inspire me as I contemplate the future of the planet and the future generation that will steward “the Earth’s precious wealth.”
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In a world where we must also make a living and worry about getting a good job, I appreciate the time to acknowledge engineering as a profession with an “obligation to serve humanity.” These unsung heroes design our bridges, computer chips, artificial joints, and so much more.
Most engineering schools have some sort of ceremony today. The U.S. tradition began in 1970 based on the Canadian iron ring ceremony. The Canadian ritual dates back to 1922 with “the calling” or oath of the original ritual written by the author, Rudyard Kipling.
As I contemplate the oath used today in the United States by the Order of Engineers, I think of the oath of my own profession and the spoken or unspoken codes of integrity and service of every other profession.
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.