For Brad Bonnell, director of security for the InterContinental Hotels Group, a background in law enforcement or the military is more useful than a degree in his position. That's because a day's work, he says, "can range from having to evict a guest, confrontations with belligerent guests or visitors and the worst nightmare would be to evacuate a hotel in response to a fire or bomb threat."
Plus, he adds, negotiating skills are vital. "We had Oprah Winfrey show up at a hotel at 2 a.m. with her dog and there are no pets allowed. But I told the manager on duty to get the dog a room of its own if she wants it. You want to be on Oprah's good side."
But two downsides to the job: Competition for senior security jobs is ferocious, and working conditions can be hazardous.
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