Chartered Management Degree Apprentice Review
at Visa
Degree Apprenticeship
Business Management
Paddington, Greater London
Review Submitted: March 2026
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
5/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
In my role as an Apprentice at Visa, my day‑to‑day responsibilities focus on supporting client account management, cross‑functional collaboration, and operational delivery, while developing my commercial and professional skills.
On a typical day, I support account and client teams by preparing materials for internal and external meetings, including briefing notes, trackers, and presentations. This involves consolidating information from multiple stakeholders, ensuring data accuracy, and tailoring content for different audiences. I regularly attend internal team meetings and external client calls, where I capture key actions, follow up on deliverables, and support effective communication between teams.
A significant part of my role involves co‑ordinating with cross‑functional teams such as product, risk, and operations to help progress client initiatives. This includes tracking actions, chasing inputs, and ensuring timelines are met, while maintaining clear documentation to support decision‑making and continuity.
I also contribute to process improvement and operational tasks, such as updating trackers, organising shared folders, and helping streamline ways of working. These activities support efficiency within the team and help ensure work is delivered in line with agreed processes and compliance requirements.
Alongside my day‑to‑day responsibilities, I balance my role with apprenticeship learning and development, including dedicated study time and applying theoretical learning to real business scenarios. I actively seek feedback from colleagues and managers to continuously improve my performance and build skills in stakeholder management, communication, and commercial awareness.
Overall, my role is a blend of client support, collaboration, and learning, enabling me to add value to the team while developing the skills required for future client‑facing and account management roles.
On a typical day, I support account and client teams by preparing materials for internal and external meetings, including briefing notes, trackers, and presentations. This involves consolidating information from multiple stakeholders, ensuring data accuracy, and tailoring content for different audiences. I regularly attend internal team meetings and external client calls, where I capture key actions, follow up on deliverables, and support effective communication between teams.
A significant part of my role involves co‑ordinating with cross‑functional teams such as product, risk, and operations to help progress client initiatives. This includes tracking actions, chasing inputs, and ensuring timelines are met, while maintaining clear documentation to support decision‑making and continuity.
I also contribute to process improvement and operational tasks, such as updating trackers, organising shared folders, and helping streamline ways of working. These activities support efficiency within the team and help ensure work is delivered in line with agreed processes and compliance requirements.
Alongside my day‑to‑day responsibilities, I balance my role with apprenticeship learning and development, including dedicated study time and applying theoretical learning to real business scenarios. I actively seek feedback from colleagues and managers to continuously improve my performance and build skills in stakeholder management, communication, and commercial awareness.
Overall, my role is a blend of client support, collaboration, and learning, enabling me to add value to the team while developing the skills required for future client‑facing and account management roles.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I really enjoy my role, particularly due to the rotational nature of the programme, which allows me to gain exposure to different teams, responsibilities, and areas of the business. This variety keeps the role engaging and supports continuous learning and development. In addition, the positive and inclusive culture of the company makes the experience highly rewarding, as it encourages collaboration, learning, and support from colleagues at all levels.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have both learned new skills and further developed existing ones through my role. The rotational nature of the programme and the variety of responsibilities have provided consistent opportunities for growth.
One of the key skills I have developed is stakeholder management and communication. Through regular involvement in team meetings, one‑to‑ones, and cross‑functional discussions, I have improved my ability to communicate clearly, adapt my messaging to different audiences, and follow up effectively on actions. Attending internal and external meetings, capturing key actions, and supporting alignment across teams has strengthened my confidence when engaging with colleagues at different levels of seniority.
I have also developed organisational and time‑management skills. Balancing multiple priorities, including meeting preparation, action tracking, and apprenticeship study requirements, has required me to plan my workload effectively and meet deadlines consistently. This has improved my ability to manage competing tasks while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
In addition, I have gained new commercial and business awareness. Exposure to client‑focused discussions and broader team updates has helped me better understand how different functions contribute to organisational objectives and client outcomes. This has enhanced my understanding of how decisions are made within a large organisation and the importance of collaboration across teams.
Finally, I have strengthened my professional confidence and adaptability. Working in different teams throughout the rotation has required me to quickly learn new processes, adjust to different ways of working, and proactively seek feedback. This has supported my personal development and increased my confidence in taking ownership of tasks and contributing ideas.
Overall, the role has enabled me to continuously build on existing skills while developing new ones, supporting both my immediate performance and long‑term career development
One of the key skills I have developed is stakeholder management and communication. Through regular involvement in team meetings, one‑to‑ones, and cross‑functional discussions, I have improved my ability to communicate clearly, adapt my messaging to different audiences, and follow up effectively on actions. Attending internal and external meetings, capturing key actions, and supporting alignment across teams has strengthened my confidence when engaging with colleagues at different levels of seniority.
I have also developed organisational and time‑management skills. Balancing multiple priorities, including meeting preparation, action tracking, and apprenticeship study requirements, has required me to plan my workload effectively and meet deadlines consistently. This has improved my ability to manage competing tasks while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
In addition, I have gained new commercial and business awareness. Exposure to client‑focused discussions and broader team updates has helped me better understand how different functions contribute to organisational objectives and client outcomes. This has enhanced my understanding of how decisions are made within a large organisation and the importance of collaboration across teams.
Finally, I have strengthened my professional confidence and adaptability. Working in different teams throughout the rotation has required me to quickly learn new processes, adjust to different ways of working, and proactively seek feedback. This has supported my personal development and increased my confidence in taking ownership of tasks and contributing ideas.
Overall, the role has enabled me to continuously build on existing skills while developing new ones, supporting both my immediate performance and long‑term career development
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
Overall, I find the programme to be well organised and clearly structured, particularly in terms of its rotational design and the support provided throughout each placement. The programme offers a clear framework, with defined rotations that allow for exposure to different teams, responsibilities, and areas of the business. This structure helps ensure that learning and development are continuous, rather than confined to a single role or function.
That said, as with any large organisation, there are occasional periods where priorities shift quickly, particularly when supporting fast‑paced client work. While this can sometimes feel less structured, it reflects the reality of working in a commercial environment and has helped me develop adaptability and resilience.
Overall, the programme is well structured and thoughtfully designed, providing a strong balance between flexibility and guidance. The clear rotational framework, combined with consistent support and learning opportunities, makes it an effective programme for both professional development and long‑term career preparation.
That said, as with any large organisation, there are occasional periods where priorities shift quickly, particularly when supporting fast‑paced client work. While this can sometimes feel less structured, it reflects the reality of working in a commercial environment and has helped me develop adaptability and resilience.
Overall, the programme is well structured and thoughtfully designed, providing a strong balance between flexibility and guidance. The clear rotational framework, combined with consistent support and learning opportunities, makes it an effective programme for both professional development and long‑term career preparation.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
The programme is further strengthened by its support network, including managers, buddies, and the early careers team, who are accessible and responsive when guidance is needed. This helps ensure that any challenges are addressed promptly and that apprentices feel supported throughout their journey.
Each rotation is introduced with clear expectations, and I am supported through regular check‑ins and one‑to‑one meetings with my manager. These provide opportunities to discuss progress, clarify priorities, and reflect on development, which contributes to a strong sense of direction within the programme. The inclusion of dedicated study time alongside day‑to‑day work also demonstrates thoughtful planning, enabling a balance between academic learning and practical application.
Each rotation is introduced with clear expectations, and I am supported through regular check‑ins and one‑to‑one meetings with my manager. These provide opportunities to discuss progress, clarify priorities, and reflect on development, which contributes to a strong sense of direction within the programme. The inclusion of dedicated study time alongside day‑to‑day work also demonstrates thoughtful planning, enabling a balance between academic learning and practical application.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I receive a high level of support from my training provider while working towards my qualifications. The support is structured and consistent, with clear guidance provided throughout each stage of the programme.
The training provider offers monthly workshops, and learning materials that clearly link academic theory to practical workplace application. This has been particularly helpful in understanding how to apply learning directly to my role, rather than viewing the qualification as separate from my day‑to‑day work. Structured modules and clear timelines also help ensure expectations and assessment requirements are well understood.
In addition, I receive ongoing support through coaching and check‑ins, which provide opportunities to discuss progress, address challenges, and receive constructive feedback. This one‑to‑one support helps me stay on track with my coursework and build confidence in managing both work and study commitments. When questions or issues arise, the training provider is accessible and responsive, ensuring support is available when needed.
The training provider offers monthly workshops, and learning materials that clearly link academic theory to practical workplace application. This has been particularly helpful in understanding how to apply learning directly to my role, rather than viewing the qualification as separate from my day‑to‑day work. Structured modules and clear timelines also help ensure expectations and assessment requirements are well understood.
In addition, I receive ongoing support through coaching and check‑ins, which provide opportunities to discuss progress, address challenges, and receive constructive feedback. This one‑to‑one support helps me stay on track with my coursework and build confidence in managing both work and study commitments. When questions or issues arise, the training provider is accessible and responsive, ensuring support is available when needed.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I feel that my qualification supports my performance in my role to a large extent, as it directly complements and reinforces the work I do on a day‑to‑day basis. The learning provided through my training provider helps me better understand the professional and theoretical context behind my responsibilities, enabling me to approach tasks more confidently and effectively.
In addition, the qualification has helped develop key transferable skills such as communication, organisation, and problem‑solving, which directly enhance my effectiveness in the workplace. The emphasis on reflection and continuous improvement has encouraged me to actively seek feedback, identify development areas, and apply learning outcomes to improve how I work within my team.
In addition, the qualification has helped develop key transferable skills such as communication, organisation, and problem‑solving, which directly enhance my effectiveness in the workplace. The emphasis on reflection and continuous improvement has encouraged me to actively seek feedback, identify development areas, and apply learning outcomes to improve how I work within my team.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
From a professional development and networking perspective, there are regular events such as insight sessions, learning talks, and networking opportunities linked to apprenticeships and wider career development. These sessions provide exposure to different career paths, allow apprentices to learn from others’ experiences, and support personal growth alongside formal qualifications.
There are also opportunities to get involved in employee networks and communities, which promote inclusion, diversity, and collaboration across the organisation. These groups regularly host events, discussions, and awareness activities, creating opportunities to connect with colleagues outside of immediate teams and contribute to wider organisational culture.
There are also opportunities to get involved in employee networks and communities, which promote inclusion, diversity, and collaboration across the organisation. These groups regularly host events, discussions, and awareness activities, creating opportunities to connect with colleagues outside of immediate teams and contribute to wider organisational culture.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Visa to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend Visa because of the strong culture, supportive environment, and high‑quality development opportunities it offers. The organisation places genuine emphasis on learning and growth, particularly through well‑structured programmes that allow employees to gain exposure to different teams and areas of the business. This has helped me continuously develop both professionally and personally.
Visa also has a positive and inclusive culture, where collaboration is encouraged and support is readily available from colleagues and managers at all levels. The environment makes it easy to ask questions, seek feedback, and feel valued, which has made my experience both enjoyable and motivating.
In addition, Visa provides excellent opportunities beyond day‑to‑day work, including professional development sessions, networking events, and employee networks, which enhance the overall experience and help build meaningful connections across the organisation.
Visa also has a positive and inclusive culture, where collaboration is encouraged and support is readily available from colleagues and managers at all levels. The environment makes it easy to ask questions, seek feedback, and feel valued, which has made my experience both enjoyable and motivating.
In addition, Visa provides excellent opportunities beyond day‑to‑day work, including professional development sessions, networking events, and employee networks, which enhance the overall experience and help build meaningful connections across the organisation.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Visa?
1. Be authentic and show genuine motivation
Visa places strong emphasis on culture, values, and attitude, so it’s important to be yourself and clearly explain why you’re interested in Visa specifically. Showing curiosity about the business, its impact, and its culture is more important than having prior experience.
2. Demonstrate a willingness to learn and grow
The programme is designed for people who may not have extensive experience, so highlighting a growth mindset, openness to feedback, and eagerness to develop new skills is key. Examples of learning from challenges or stepping outside your comfort zone are particularly valuable.
3. Show initiative and proactivity
Visa values individuals who take ownership and seek opportunities. Whether through volunteering for projects, building networks, or getting involved in extra‑curricular activities, demonstrating initiative helps show your potential and long‑term ambition.
4. Don’t underestimate transferable skills
Skills such as organisation, communication, adaptability, and problem‑solving are highly valued. Even if your experience isn’t directly related, clearly explaining how your skills transfer to a professional environment can make a strong impression.
5. Research the programme and understand the rotational nature
Understanding how the apprenticeship or graduate programme works, particularly the rotational structure, will help you articulate why it suits your learning style and career goals. This shows preparation and alignment with what the programme offer
Visa places strong emphasis on culture, values, and attitude, so it’s important to be yourself and clearly explain why you’re interested in Visa specifically. Showing curiosity about the business, its impact, and its culture is more important than having prior experience.
2. Demonstrate a willingness to learn and grow
The programme is designed for people who may not have extensive experience, so highlighting a growth mindset, openness to feedback, and eagerness to develop new skills is key. Examples of learning from challenges or stepping outside your comfort zone are particularly valuable.
3. Show initiative and proactivity
Visa values individuals who take ownership and seek opportunities. Whether through volunteering for projects, building networks, or getting involved in extra‑curricular activities, demonstrating initiative helps show your potential and long‑term ambition.
4. Don’t underestimate transferable skills
Skills such as organisation, communication, adaptability, and problem‑solving are highly valued. Even if your experience isn’t directly related, clearly explaining how your skills transfer to a professional environment can make a strong impression.
5. Research the programme and understand the rotational nature
Understanding how the apprenticeship or graduate programme works, particularly the rotational structure, will help you articulate why it suits your learning style and career goals. This shows preparation and alignment with what the programme offer
