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From construction to tourism executive: Three new careers built with employer support

Working in tourism brings different rewards to people. Matthew Smith travels through his role with Dublin Convention Bureau. Declan Murphy found a career in tourism after the construction sector collapsed. Karen Fleming leads sales at a hotel while completing a master’s degree with employer support.

Matthew Smith, Dublin Convention Bureau

Matthew Smith works in sales and marketing as Corporate and Incentive Support at Dublin Convention Bureau. Within eight months in the role, he visited seven cities, including New York, Las Vegas, Istanbul, Vienna, and Hamburg, while representing Dublin and Ireland at international business events.

Travel also gives Matthew opportunities to build networks and meet people he may work with in the future. He describes the role as representing Ireland while building a career that brings both professional and personal reward.

It’s not your regular desk job.

Matthew Smith, Dublin Convention Bureau


Declan Murphy, DoDublin

Declan Murphy joined DoDublin, the commercial operations division of Dublin Bus, in 2008. He previously worked in construction and moved into tourism after the property market collapsed. What started as a temporary role became a long-term career.

Within months, Declan saw opportunities to progress his career. His employer supported him to complete a Level 6 course in frontline management at the National College of Ireland. Dublin Bus also supported him to qualify as a driving instructor through a second Level 6 programme. Before he finished probation, tour guides at DoDublin encouraged his interest in Irish history and helped him build confidence in a new career.

I didn’t even have the job and already they were helping and pointing me in the right direction.


Karen Fleming, Cashel Palace Hotel

Karen Fleming is Director of Sales at Cashel Palace Hotel, a five-star hotel in Cashel, Co Tipperary. She oversees sales at one of Ireland’s stylish new five-star hotels. She describes the work as people-focused, both for guests and for the teams who support them.

Karen values continuing to learn while working. Her employer supported her to complete a master’s degree in management and marketing at Cork University Business School. She also received support through a scholarship from the 30% Club.

It is a hugely human-driven industry and one that makes people feel welcome and happy.


Employers who invest in people help careers grow

These employers work across convention sales, city transport, and luxury hospitality. Their workplaces differ, but their approach to people remains consistent. Each employer invested in development early and supported people to progress their careers in tourism.

These stories show why investment in learning and progression matters. People stay where employers support growth, ambition, and opportunity.

Build a workplace where people can grow

The next great tourism career can start in your business. Build a team that grows with your business. Access tools, training and support designed for tourism employers.