But wherever you are career-wise, it’s a clean and shiny brand-new year. You’d like to make the most of it, right? Here are 10 ideas for resolutions that could make 2010 a lot better
1. Look for something new to learn every day. Whether you are ensconced in a career you love, toiling at a job you hate, or unemployed and looking, building your knowledge base is one simple key to success. What’s more, learning is good for your brain and your mood—and it’s just plain fun. So, read books/articles/blogs about your industry, ask to learn a coworker’s job, consider pursuing a new certification or degree—you get the idea.

2. Rise above the insanity. No matter the state of the economy or country, there is always something to worry about or be afraid of. You can join the naysayers and the fear-mongers, or you can refrain from panicking and be the voice of reason. Looking for rational solutions to problems is a much better use of your time than, say, freaking out about them. It also (bonus!) makes you an invaluable member of any organization.

3. Build a wide, deep, and active network. A professional network is not just a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have source of new business, new jobs, support, advice, ideas, and consolation. So, this year, strengthen relationships with people you already know, and put energy into meeting new people. (Note: Networking includes your online presence, too. LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and the rest—they’re not just fads, they are efficient and effective ways to stay in touch with a whole lot of people.)

4. Find a mentor. A mentor is someone who’s a little smarter and a little more experienced than you, and who knows you, likes you, and cares about you. A mentor helps you solve problems and define goals, introduces you to possibilities you didn’t even know existed, and gives you a kick in the behind when you need it. Once you’ve found a mentor, take good care of him or her because this person is like gold.

5. Remember it’s not always about you. Professional life becomes amazingly less stressful when we realize that it’s business, not personal. Nine times out of 10, the decisions and behavior of bosses, coworkers, hiring managers, and recruiters have more to do with their own problems and priorities than with anything you did or said. So grow a thick skin and do good work.

6. Turn your focus outward and help others. Introduce people who might benefit from the acquaintance; offer to be a reference; listen to a colleague’s problems and offer solutions (or just listen); host a networking coffee; volunteer for that new company charity. Your good deeds will come back to you, tenfold.

7. Say “thank you” as often you can. Sadly, gratitude is not that common. You can be uncommon, and memorable, simply by sending a thank-you note whenever it’s warranted. When you can, regularly (and sincerely) thank your coworkers, your customers, your suppliers, your boss, your friends, your enemies. The appreciation you reap can only help you. Plus, looking for the positive puts you in a positive frame of mind and that is a good thing.

8. Be über-honest. Whether it’s the big stuff (lying about your qualifications) or the small (calling in sick when you’re not), applying the “is this honest?” metric to all you do and say makes life clearer and simpler. What’s more, integrity not only makes people admire and trust you, it makes you admire and trust yourself. Honestly, honesty is a win-win.

9. Write down your goals. Do you want to earn more money, be a manager, open a second facility, change industries, move to a new state, or increase (or decrease) your hours? Achieving any of those goals will require many intermediary steps. But the very first step is to write it down. Writing something down defines it, clarifies it, gives it power, and—eventually—makes it real.

10. Establish a Plan B. Can you answer this question: “What would I do if I lost what I currently have?” Having a fallback plan on hand is always, always smart. Not to mention essential for your peace of mind. This is why career experts tell you to pay attention to the state of your industry, have an up-to-date résumé, and stay on the lookout for other opportunities.

You don’t have to do all of these. Start small. Pick the ideas that appeal to you, try them out, and see what happens. It’s your 2010. Make the most of it!

If you are interested in working in Europe, here is the list of the ten hottest careers:

1. Pharmaceutical Researcher

Europe is the home of large pharmaceutical companies which operates around the world. They are investing large amount of money to find treatments and cure of various diseases including AIDS and cancer. With the increasing demand for these cures, pharmaceutical researchers are in demand to conduct relevant research funded by the government or private organizations.

2. Information Technology Consultant

With the overwhelming boom of internet technology, the number of internet users increase every year. Information Technology Consultants are in great demand to sustain the high interest of internet clients by offering advisory services in creating interfaces in employing IT in different fields such as business, education, medicine and law.

3. Game Developers

European game developers are competing with the Chinese market. With the increasing number of people hooked into internet gaming, the market demands for people who have the creativity and the knowledge in creating games and entertainment software.

4. Software Analysts

Software analysts are responsible in transforming the complicated systems language into a form that can be understood by anyone. They are needed to explore different computer software that are needed in business operations since most companies are now venturing with automated systems to increase efficiency of their operations.

5. Financial Consultants

Financial Consultants are needed for their advisory services for personal and corporate individuals. Most people have personal financial problems and they are in need to consult financial experts to guide them with the methods and techniques they can employ. Private companies and businesses also sought the services of financial consultants.

6. Pharmacists

Pharmacy is one of the fastest growing career opportunities in Europe since the number of drug products is also increasing. Pharmacists are mainly responsible in providing patients with drug information such as prescriptions, contraindications, description, adverse and side effects.

7. Investment Analysts

Basically, investment analysts work to manage funds converged by small investors. The main remuneration of investment analysts depends on the amount of money they can make for their clients in form of commissions and bonuses. Some investment analysts can work in private companies in their large-scale investment. However this aspect of investing analysis is very complicated.

8. Business Management Consultants

Most businesses invest largely to know the methods and techniques they can use to avoid financial crisis. Since the economic recession and meltdown of huge European business empires, this field has been booming as businessmen would like to be very sure before they can enter a business venture.

9. University Professors

Since the number of retiring professors is increasing, there is a great demand for young professional who are qualified to fill the post of professors in the university. However, the road of entering as a professor in a European University is very long since it would require long years of study and experience before they can enjoy the large salary and benefits of a professor.

10. Accountants

Most large companies in Europe are in need of Accountants who are responsible in overseeing the financial operations of business.

Engineers mainly work with the principles of mathematics and physical sciences to create practical solutions to technical problems. Based on their disciplines, engineers can create designs, tests, production techniques and maintenance. They are also needed to supervise factory production, troubleshooting, efficiency of operations and quality of products.

A university degree in science and engineering is required for all engineering careers and most of these jobs require licensure. Also, graduates of physical science and mathematics can also be qualified for some engineering jobs. Professional engineers who want to develop their skills should continue their studies to keep them updated with the waves of their chosen disciplines.

Most engineers face health hazards in the workplace when they are in the field work such as visiting factories, oil and gas exploration, and production factories to manage and oversee operations or create practical solutions to technical problems. However, starting pay for engineering careers are much higher than other entry-level careers in other industries, and the general perception of the job is very favorable. With the increasing career opportunities with job openings employing the basic skills and abilities of engineering, engineers now have various career opportunities from anywhere in the world.

Most career opportunities for engineers are predicted to rise because the number of graduates is in balance with the number of openings in the succeeding years. However, these opportunities vary. The following is a list of ten hottest careers for engineers that are continually growing at least until 2019.

1. Biomedical Engineering

This is a combination of biology, medicine and engineering to update medical equipment and procedures that will help in advancement. Average annual salary is $ 70,000

2. Agricultural Engineering

This discipline is a mixture of engineering, technology, agriculture and biology to devise new methods and procedures to develop the agricultural industry. Average annual salary is $ 65,000

3. Health Engineering

Health engineers create procedure and new designs to decrease the health risks, and health hazards in the workplace or the company’s products. Average annual salary is $ 60,000

4. Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineers create, enhance, examine and oversee the manufacturing of electrical machines. Average annual salary is $ 63,000

5. Environmental Engineering

Environmental engineers apply the principle of chemistry, ecology, biology and environmental sciences to craft solutions to environmental problems such as pollutions, sewage, global warming and public health. Average annual salary is $ 55,000

6. Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineers conduct researches, create designs of mechanical equipment such as generators, engines, turbines and business machines. Average annual salary is $ 60,000

7. Electronics Engineering

This discipline is different from electrical engineering because this field specializes in broadcasting and communication systems. Average annual salary is $ 66,000

8. Chemical Engineering

In chemical engineering, a person designs machines and special equipment and procedures for manufacturing products using chemicals such as production of energy, food, clothing etc. Average annual salary is $ 68,000

9. Civil Engineering

Civil engineers devise and supervise road constructions, airports, tunnels, parks and other infrastructure for public use. Average annual salary is $ 65,000

10. Industrial Engineering

Engineers under this field determine the most effective methods to use resources such as human, machinery, raw materials to make products or offer services. Average annual salary is $ 67,000

The Bureau of Labor Statistics or BLS predicts that the number of career opportunities in the science field will grow faster than in previous years. Jobs in environmental science, astronomy and space exploration will be in demand. However, to be able to qualify in a science career one should have analytical skills and a large amount of education and years of experience.

Most science jobs would require you to have at least a bachelor’s degree, while the top science jobs are only filled in by individuals with master’s or doctorate degrees. Fortunately, this rigorous work is very rewarding as the minimum starting salary for most science jobs is about $50,000.

Are you ready for a career in science? Well, take a look at our top ten:

1. Astronomers.
These guys study the properties and behaviors of stars, planets, and other things that you can find in the universe. Average annual salary is $100,000.

2. Materials Scientists.
Materials scientists conduct research to learn the properties, characteristics and composition of natural and artificial materials so that they can enhance these things or develop new ones to be used in everyday purposes. Average annual salary is $75,000.

3. Medical scientists
Medical scientists conduct research on human diseases to provide necessary information to devise practical solutions to human health diseases. These results include vaccines and medicated drugs. Medical scientists can also perform clinical investigations, transcription, drug examination and technical writing. A doctorate degree in biology is very necessary to fill the post. Average annual salary is $90,000

4. Physicists
Physical scientists or physicists study the components of matter and motion. Their study includes the origin of the universe, practical science tools and different things about physical aspects of the world. The average annual salary is $95,000.

5. Hydrologists
Hydrologists are also called water scientists. They study different types of bodies of water and water formations such as rainfall and icecaps throughout the globe. Their study helps people and other scientists, governments and private organizations to understand the important factors played by the earth’s water supply. The average annual salary is $70,000.

6. Atmospheric scientists
Atmospheric scientists or weather scientists monitor the movements of the atmosphere to know it’s crucial role in the environmental cycles and the everyday living of people. This career is very in demand today as global warming is a very hot issue in the scientific community. The average annual salary is $77,000.

7. Biologists
Biologists mainly conduct research studies to observe and take a closer look into all forms of living organisms to better understand the delicate complexity of life. The average annual salary is $77,000.

8. Ecologists
Ecologists or environmental scientists conduct studies on issue relating to environment, natural resources, and the interaction of plants, animals and humans. They use their observations to widen our knowledge about environmental issues such as the feared global warming. The average annual salary is $60,000.

9. Geologists
Geologists study the components of the Earth to better understand its origin and its transformation since the beginning. The average annual salary is $73,000

10. Biochemists
This kind of scientists observes the chemical makeup of life. The annual average salary is $77,000.

1. Marketing and Advertising Manager

If you can create and apply techniques that will allow a company to increase its sales and profits, you are qualified for this job. Almost all companies that sell products need to advertise. Advertising Managers should be well-equipped with a solid marketing program as marketing has been the backbone of any business. A university degree in marketing, communication or public relations is necessary. The average annual salary is $ 65,000.

2. Engineers

Even though the automated business decreased the hiring of skilled labors and service employees, it is however in need of engineers who will build automated systems and programs. In the US, the current demand is 10,000 employees every year. The average annual salary is $ 70,000.

3. Game Developers.

This career is a new opening that has vastly increased through the years. Since millions of people like to play games in their cell phones, PSPs, and laptops, this booming industry need highly-qualified professionals to create new games to sustain the entertainment demand of gamers. If you have a superb skill in programming and developing programs in computer and you are creative and imaginative enough to create exciting and interesting games, you are highly in demand to fill the gap in the game field. The average annual salary is $ 40,000.

4. Software Engineers

The software engineering field is expected to grow by 50 per cent by the year 2019. Software engineers basically create and design new computer software by applying recent technologies in a wide array of computer applications. People in this field analyze client needs and construct computer applications and programs using programming languages, depending on the specific purpose. The average annual salary is $ 45,000.

5. Dentists

Dentists are one of the most popular medical doctors. Dentists work very often with surgical procedures but they can also cure and treat numerous diseases with the aid of prescription drugs. Dentists in the US are constrained by the American Dental Association (ADA). The specializations in dentistry are oral surgery, public health dentistry, proshtodontics, endodontics and periodontics. To be a licensed dentist, a person should have a doctorate degree of Dental Medicine. They can earn around $ 150,000 annually.

6. Pilot.

A career as an airplane pilot is both rewarding and satisfying. Aside from the high salary, it will give a person a rare chance of traveling around the globe. This is a very competitive field and the money is always good. However, it is a job which needs high qualifications. One needs a rigorous training in aviation, interpretation of weather reports, operation of complex controls and also a spirit for safety travel. The average annual salary is $ 80,000.

7. Agricultural Engineering

This discipline is a mixture of engineering, technology, agriculture and biology required to devise new methods and procedures to develop the agricultural industry. The average annual salary is $ 65,000.

8. Mental Health Counselor

Mental Health Counselors work with people to cure emotional and emotional disorders to maximize mental health using a variety of therapies. To fill a post, a master’s degree is usually required to be licensed as a counselor; a graduate study is also a plus factor. The average annual salary is $ 40,000

9. Surgical technicians.

This career requires the shortest course of medical training thus this is considered a fast track health care job. These associate health professionals, also called surgical technologists help in surgical operations under the direct supervision of a surgeon or a registered nurse. Before the actual operation, a surgical technician prepares the room and other surgical equipments. The average annual salary is $ 25,000.

10. Accountants

Accountants and auditors are needed in every business to ensure the financial stability and transparency of the business operations. If a businessman is eager to develop the company, the monetary resources should be well taken care of. To be an accountant, one should have a bachelor’s degree in accountancy and duly licensed. The average salary is $ 70,000 annually.