Chartered Management Degree Apprentice Review

Since Visa's chartered management degree apprenticeship is a rotational programme, daily activities vary significantly depending on which team you are in. As a member of the corporate strategy team, my day-to-day role consists of: - Structuring and solving business problems - Collaborating and coordinating with a range of internal stakeholders to make recommendations on a wide range of business issues - Developing rigorous, fact based, quantitative analysis to support recommendations - Ensuring strategic and financial soundness and alignment for recommendations - Delivering projects or major project workstreams related to Visa’s corporate strategy or corporate initiatives - Working closely with functional, regional and HQ management teams on strategic projects, bringing timely and useful insight and analytical support - Monitoring the evolution of the payments industry, competitive landscape, new technology developments and regulatory environment - Communicating recommendations to senior management in a clear, concise and impactful way

Yes, significantly. Having completed a number of rotations in various teams around the business, the apprenticeship has supported me in developing a wide range of qualitative and quantitative skills, such as: - Data analysis - MS Office (highly adept in Excel and PowerPoint) - Strategic research and analysis - Project management - Presenting - Financial analysis - Stakeholder management - Written and verbal persuasion

I am thoroughly enjoying the programme. It is well structured with an appropriate balance between autonomous responsibility and formal support networks. Working with fellow apprentices, colleagues in the business and members of the apprenticeship programme management is always a pleasure. We are fortunate enough to have had many social events with fellow apprentices, interns and graduates which has also made the experience more enjoyable.

Very well structured. Lots of input from support networks (apprenticeship programme management, line managers, informal mentors, etc) which can be useful when navigating unfamiliar territory in your early career. Induction, training and general support has been excellent. The rotational aspect of the programme has also been well organised with lots of thoughtful discussions throughout.

Lots of support from my employer! My line managers have been very supportive throughout all rotations, with lots of opportunities to receive feedback and build thoughtful development plans. Likewise with mentors. We have also been very privileged to have a dedicated HR team who has been excellent in organising and coordinating the programme.

My academic advisors (skills coaches) have been great at guiding me in the right direction with regards to academic portfolios of work. My interactions with them have been useful and thoughtful. General support has always been very accessible, with skills coaches, module leaders and academic support teams only an email or call away at all times. I have thoroughly enjoyed the education side of the apprenticeship programme to date.

My qualification (chartered management degree apprenticeship - with a degree in Management), is highly relevant to my day-to-day role with obvious synergies and direct links becoming evermore visible. I have certainly had the opportunity to put theory into practice, which has placed me in good stead on projects which I may have lacked experience on. I certainly feel better placed in my role because of the qualification.

Yes, there are many extra-curricular activities to get involved in - many of which are organised by the HR team as well as rotational teams. Examples include: - Employee resource groups (e.g. BAME allies) - Team / departmental socials with catering - Allocated volunteering hours - Charity matching by the company - A gym in the office - Sports events (e.g. football team) - Networking events - Next Gen (apprentice, intern and grad) events (e.g. drinks, winter wonderland and more)

Yes

A great place to learn, grow and start your career. Lots of opportunities for mobility within the company, whether that is a job opportunity abroad, a role in another department or simply learning from people with skills which you would like to obtain. Lots of support from HR and a clear career path beyond the apprenticeship programme.

Be authentic, curious and confident. Do your research prior to interviews (company history, key markets, business model, etc.). Show why you deserve the role on your assessment day by confidently demonstrating your abilities. Make the most of the rotational programme by seeking new experiences which will make you a well-rounded professional.