Mary Navalinsky wasn’t on the job too long before she had her first experience as a front desk clerk for a hotel when she realized she could be overwhelmed. But her education and training kicked in, ...

Office settings include both front office and back office areas. Front office staff consists of desk clerks, receptionists and others who greet visitors, answer phone lines and receive the mail.

Austin, the friendly front desk agent checking me in at the St. Regis Bal Harbour, probably didn’t know it, but about an hour later I would be joining him and another front agent, Brittany, behind ...