Vincent J. Murphy began his career as a plumber's apprentice at the age of 15, later becoming deeply involved in union activities. He held significant leadership roles within Local 24 of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices, serving as secretary-treasurer from 1920 to 1938. Murphy's influence expanded to the statewide level when he was named secretary-treasurer of the New Jersey Federation of Labor in 1933, where he worked under the mentorship of influential president Louis P. Marciante. His extensive experience in labor organizing and leadership positions established a strong foundation for his future endeavors.

Vincent J. Murphy's political identity is marked by a blend of labor advocacy and strategic pragmatism, often aligning with unexpected coalitions to advance regional industrial interests. His career as a labor organizer suggests a deeply rooted commitment to workers' rights, yet his legislative record indicates a willingness to collaborate with opposing factions on environmental regulations. Murphy's approach reveals a calculated effort to balance ideological consistency with practical necessities, making his political maneuvers both intriguing and complex.