You are The Future of Loss Prevention!

Loss prevention professionals are an integral part of the retail industry, responsible for protecting a company's assets and ensuring that their operations run smoothly and efficiently. To further develop into leaders in this field, there are several tools that can be utilized.?We have worked long and hard on making this career field a true profession with educated and talented professionals.?If you are asking yourself why it is important to advance, look no further than the mentors in this industry, and all they have done advance the profession and their careers.

One important tool for development is becoming an intense student of the business. Whether you are in your first year as an AP/LP professional or are in your 25th, this principle applies.? This means not only learning about the asset protection aspect of retail, but also understanding the operations side of the industry. This involves staying up to date on industry trends and best practices, as well as gaining a thorough understanding of the various systems and processes that are in place to support the business.

Another key tool for development is seeking industry certifications. These certifications, such as those offered by ASIS International, Loss Prevention Foundation or the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and a host of other advanced certificates, demonstrate a level of expertise and commitment to the field.

Additionally, continuing education through colleges and universities can help loss prevention professionals stay current on the latest technologies and techniques, as well as expand their understanding of the business. Mentorship can also be a valuable tool for development. By seeking out experienced professionals in the field, loss prevention professionals can learn from those who have been in the industry for a longer period. This can provide valuable insights and guidance as they navigate the challenges of the business.?

If you are a seasoned LP/AP professional reading this article, you too have an opportunity to select and mentor those in your organization who you feel can advance and become tomorrow’s LP/AP leaders. In addition to these tools, loss prevention professionals can also put themselves in expansive and challenging growth opportunities within their company and within the industry. This could involve taking on additional responsibilities or seeking out new roles that offer more responsibility and leadership opportunities. By stepping outside of their comfort zone and seeking out new challenges, loss prevention professionals can develop their skills and gain valuable experience.? When I was a young LP professional, I never turned down an assignment, relocation, and even moved to an entire field which I had little working knowledge of to advance my development.?? Because of my fearless approach to growth and tackling the hardest assignments, I was rewarded by being placed on Walmart’s very first Fast Track executive program.? It was an honor, and the education and benefits of that assignment were career changing.

Finally, it is important for loss prevention professionals to approach their development with a mindset of continuous learning. ???When I was a district loss prevention supervisor for Walmart, I decided to return to studies to complete my master’s degree.? This meant going to classes in the evening and on every weekend for 18 months.?? This was on top of my 70 hour a week Walmart job.?? But I knew this was the right path to setting myself apart from the norm.??

And this was prior to online classes being a thing.??Whether its advanced university education or internal training it means being open to new ideas and approaches, and being willing to absorb every morsel of knowledge available in the field. By staying curious and proactive in their development, loss prevention professionals can position themselves for success and become leaders in the industry.

In conclusion, loss prevention professionals looking to further develop into leaders in the field can utilize a variety of tools, including becoming an intense student of the business, seeking industry certifications, finding mentors, and putting themselves in expansive and challenging growth opportunities. By staying current on industry trends and best practices and approaching their development with a mindset of continuous learning, loss prevention professionals can position themselves for success and take on leadership roles within the industry. Be that person that impacts tomorrow, today!