Loss Prevention Management program very appealing to Jodie Murphy

Applicants applying for a degree in Loss Prevention Management are becoming more numerous by the day and now more upper management professionals and students alike can educate themselves about the field. Jodie Murphy is a professional within the field of loss prevention, now working as Senior Manager of Investigations for Gap, Inc. She is also working towards a degree in Loss Prevention Management. Murphy describes herself as creative, trustworthy, ethical, driven and tenacious

“The Loss Prevention Management program at NMU was very appealing to me due to the online option, as well as NMU’s ability to recognize past college credit as transfer units.  With Professor Hanson’s guidance, I was able to take full advantage of the transfer process and begin online classes almost immediately,” said Murphy. “The cost of the online program was extremely affordable compared to other options and with tuition reimbursement offered at many companies, it’s an economically feasible option.”

Many students are returning to school after extensive careers within the loss prevention industry, and in the working world every advantage counts. “Having a degree has become more important in our industry in order to stay competitive in the job market and for future promotional opportunities,” explained Murphy. “Many entry-level LP Management employees have a four-year degree and several have completed a masters' program. When hiring for an open position and looking at candidates with equitable job and life experience, the candidate with the degree would definitely have an edge.” In addition to the obvious benefits of a degree, Murphy said she wanted the satisfaction of completing the degree. “I wanted the personal accomplishment of completing something that I started many years ago,” she said.

Loss prevention is a fast growing field with lots of opportunities from inside and out. Murphy recalled her beginnings in the field. “I worked my way through college as a cashier at a department store,” she said. “I contacted loss prevention specialists [in the store] when I observed shoplifters and soon was invited to join the loss prevention department. I joined their management program and eventually worked as an LPM, Corporate Manager of LP Training, RLPM and Director of LP at various department and specialty retailers.” 

Murphy explained the online aspect of the course was the best option for her. “The best part of online learning, in my opinion, is the flexibility to complete assignments on my schedule. With a career that requires travel and being a wife and mom, the flexibility of online learning is a perfect fit,” she said. According to Murphy, students thinking of taking an online course should know “…although the online format allows for scheduling flexibility, you still have assignment and project deadlines. You won’t have the social aspect of sitting in a classroom, so you need to self solve content issues or questions.”

Lastly, Murphy says to be successful in an online course, there are certain things students must know. “You must be self driven and disciplined to access the course almost daily to review updated information and stay current with reading and assignments. You should be solution oriented to navigate through the application; however, professors are available via e-mail or postings to answer questions along the way. A reliable computer and strong internet connection are also key elements,” she said.

LOSS PREVENTION MANAGEMENT: RELEVANT – RESPECTED – ONLINE