What are we?

[spidereddie]

model builders, makers, artists?

I am in the process of writing my CV (short for curriculum vitae, the fancy schmancy academic version of a resume). As I will soon be applying for a position as an eye surgeon (ophthalmologist...not optometrist) I wanted to highlight some of my fine motor skills and manual dexterity. What better way than to mention the hobby I've been in love with since I started med school.

So..... Should I say that I am a
"Avid model car builder"
"Miniature model car maker"
"Hobby model car builder/maker/etc"

keep in mind that a person reading my cv will likely be about 50 years old and likely have no idea these things still exist.

[freakmech]

Well im a guy with an addiction, that being buying lots of kits that never get built. Sadly ive recently entered the realm of buying resin kits so even more money spent on boxes full of resin, metal and decals. But "Avid Scale Automobile Modeller" sounds nice; at least better then crack addict. As a surgeon you should make plenty to feed the habit. Feel free to send me lots of unused medical instruments useful for modelling.

[DocDann]

I tell people I am a "scale automotive reconstruction engineer"

[mike@af]

Well, each term does have their own meaning.

Model builder often refers to the person that builds kits.
Model maker is the person that builds the bucks/prototypes for the kits.
Artist has its own meaning for one to define, an artist works with their hands, heart, and soul.

[freakray]

Scale replica building is what I put on my resume under interests....sounds more interesting than 'model builder'.

[Gridgirl]

Originally Posted by spidereddie

keep in mind that a person reading my cv will likely be about 50 years old and likely have no idea these things still exist.

I'm not sure I'd put this on a CV. While I'm sure all of us here understand the relevance of modeling to hand/eye coordination, it's very doubtful someone unfamilair with the hobby would. I think that in an interview - where you can explain all the details of why its relevant, that it could build some good depth and help to set you apart, but on the CV you just don't have the time, space, or reader attention to explain why its there. The danger of expressing 'still plays with toys' instead of 'enjoys activity that supports hand/eye coordination' is very real.

On a related note, make sure you have somebody who knows you - preferably in your field (are you still affiliated with a med school, where you can talk to a professor?) look over your CV. It really does help!

Good luck with your search

[tonioseven]

I like Ray's definition.

[freakray]

Originally Posted by Gridgirl

I'm not sure I'd put this on a CV.

It depends on what kind of job you're trying to get.

My job requires a lot of attention to detail on many levels, so they were happy to see I enjoyed a hobby that required spending a lot of time on small details.

[LS1Aaron]

How about automotive artist.Sounds good and no need to specify your specific media.

[klutz_100]

Since you are at med school, wouldn't it be appropriate to call it plastic surgery?

IMO for someone who hasn't actually seen what you do and can be done with a plastic scale model, they won'ty rerally appreciate/understand what you are trying to get across.

However, on a CV I would go with "Miniature model car maker" - This is most likelky IMO to pique their interest thanks to the woed "minature" and provoke some questions which will them allow your enthusiasm to surface in a discussion

[MPWR]

I think we're getting into differences of job hunting philosopies here.

Unless I were applying for a gig at a model manufaturer, model making shop, or hobby shop, I wouldn't put 'model car builder' (or any other more oblique way of stating it) on a CV or resume- or any other hobby for that matter. Yes, I absolutely recognise the value of hobbies with regards to some lines of employment. I agree it could be useful/valuable to bring up in an interview. But I wouldn't consider it on a CV or resume.

Other people will probably give you different advice. CVs and resumes mean different things to different job hunters, potential employers, and advice givers. You'll have to decide for yourself in this situation if you believe it's appropriate. From my understanding of your description, I would say no.

[Jaymes]

say that you build fine scale models as a hobby and that you are accustomed to sensitive work environments