LP/AP Careers | Getting Started

Retail loss prevention has evolved through the years and has transformed from a singular, focused security apprehension model into a larger, multi-dimensioned business preservation model.

Self-study is a great way to start learning about this industry. Please use the resources below and at right to learn more about loss prevention / asset protection industry in general.

1) Know Yourself

One of the first steps in finding a career is to know yourself. While this may sound too basic, it truly is an important aspect of starting a new career. Most colleges and local employment centers offer at no or at very low cost, career interest assessments to the community - whether you have a job or not - whether you are a student at that college or not. We urge you to take advantage of those community services and career counselors to help you understand your preferences and strengths.

Take a reflective moment to see if you can find yourself in the sampling of LP/AP careers available for today's LP/AP professional.

• Manager: "Using my business major to manage cross-departmental programs, safety initiatives, business continuity objectives, and investigations excites me."
• Investigator: " I am ready to use my criminal justice or security management major to discreetly investigate fraud, find abuse, and preserve property."
• Auditor: " I like studying details, finding inconsistencies and fancy a "CPA like" profession with a touch of intrigue. "
• Training and Programs: "I love working with people. There‘s great satisfaction instructing safety and security, knowing that I am keeping people safe and productive."
• Logistics: "The transportation field interests me; with its' trucks, stock rooms, routing, and warehouses, but I'm all in, if you add a security and safety dimension!"

2) Know the Industry

If you can see yourself in one or more of the above roles, it is time to take the next step into the Loss Prevention / Asset Protection industry by researching, educating, and networking. The section below describes ways for you to explore this field on your own. As the Loss Prevention Foundation exists to educate others about the LP/AP industry, be sure to also check out the ways in which this not-for-profit can help.

• What is Retail?
• What Is Loss Prevention?

Below are three former veterans now in elevated Loss Prevention positions describing their transition experience from the military into the Loss Prevention industry. Even if you do not have the military background, their interviews contain informative and upfront information as to what a career in Loss Prevention is like.

• Scott McBride, Sr. Director of Loss Prevention; American Eagle Outfitters
• Aaron Henderson, Director of Loss Prevention; Penske Logistics
• Wayne Getz, Area Loss Prevention Manager; Best Buy, Inc.

At left, our Guides & References section, has more additional self-study, "getting started" information; such as a description of the retail environment, our comprehensive portrayal of the retail LP/AP career, Loss Prevention Prevention Articles, and Online Archives to help you determine if your future is here, in our industry, teaming with opportunity and jobs.