Careers in hospitality cover many different aspects of the hotel and lodgings industry from customer service to sales and marketing - and in some cases, it can offer the opportunity to progress through them to a top-tier position. Among those who have climbed the ladder from front desk to directorship is Dan Shaughnessy, who began his career in the industry some 20 years ago. Having initially worked as a front desk associate, he graduated to the sales side of the hotel business and has recently been appointed as director of sales and marketing at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel and Spa. It has been a long journey but now Mr Shaughnessy said he is excited at the prospect of working in the "entertainment capital of the world". "This Hollywood luxury hotel - a major focal point to stay at, relax, hang out, shop, eat, drink and celebrate - is a large part of new Hollywood," he said Figures form the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that 4 out of 5 hospitality workers were employed in service or administrative support roles. In 2006, hotels employed around 1.8 million in all and this number is expected to grow by 14% in the decade to 2016.  |