May 12, 2026 · Testimonial
Three lives at once: How Benjamin Meschke combines study, work and professional sport
Professional handball, a career at PostFinance, and an MAS degree at HWZ – Benjamin Meschke moves daily between three different worlds. How does one manage this without losing oneself? A conversation about structure, responsibility, and a life that is consciously shaped.
«Work-life balance» takes on a whole new meaning for you: studying, professional sport and your career all come together at the same time. What does this reality feel like?
For me, this reality feels both highly intense and deeply meaningful. It is not an everyday routine where work, study and elite sport simply run alongside each other; rather, it is a consciously structured life in which all three areas consistently demand a high level of presence, discipline and reliability.
I do not see this combination as a burden in a negative sense, but rather as a great responsibility. In a way, it is also a privilege to be so strongly challenged and to work towards my goals every day. This requires me to set clear priorities, work efficiently, and manage my energy consciously. In this way, I not only develop professionally and athletically, but also learn to remain focused and reliable under pressure.
After your professional handball career in the Bundesliga, you made a conscious decision to come to Switzerland and to choose HWZ. What was the decisive moment or thought behind this choice?
For me, it was crucial not to postpone building my career outside of handball, but to develop it in parallel. I had already studied alongside my sporting career in Germany, but naturally lacked practical professional experience.
Switzerland was a deliberate choice for me, as it allowed me to combine professional sport, a demanding job in banking, and academic development – all on a part-time basis. The overall package at Wacker Thun, with the National League A and the opportunity to start my career, was ideal for me. It was through PostFinance that I came to HWZ.
For me, HWZ is a key building block because it provides exactly this bridge: it is practice-oriented and closely aligned with what I want to develop in my professional career over the long term. Through my role as Compliance Officer at PostFinance and my studies at HWZ, I am already laying the foundation to take on even greater responsibility in banking in the future.
You live in Thun, work in Bern, and study in Zurich. Commuting is therefore a regular part of your daily life. Tell us about it: what does a typical week look like for you, and how does commuting shape your routine?
A typical week is clearly structured: on weekdays, I focus on my job at PostFinance, as well as on training, recovery, and preparing for my studies. In addition, there are lectures in Zurich, study periods, group work, and matches on many weekends.
Commuting is an integral part of my routine. I consciously use this time for preparation, follow-up work, or to mentally transition between my different roles. My daily life only works because I plan and structure my weeks carefully, and my personal environment supports me fully.
What is your personal «system» that helps you to coordinate these three worlds?
My system is based on forward planning, consistent time management, and clear priorities. For me, it is essential to keep control of my calendar not only in day-to-day business, but also over the course of weeks and months. I aim to identify scheduling conflicts at an early stage, rather than only responding when they become urgent.
Honesty is also part of this: it is not possible to give the same amount in every area every week. There are times when sport takes priority, and others when the degree programme requires more attention. For me, it is not about perfection, but about reliability.
It is important that my personal circle, my coach, my employer and HWZ all support my situation. I need to maintain the highest level of discipline. My calendar is always up to date, and I plan everything consistently, even a 30-minute physiotherapy session. This transparency is crucial to ensure that everything works smoothly.
It is precisely this combination of personal responsibility, clear planning, and a supportive environment that enables me to successfully balance my studies, career, and high-level competitive sport.
What happens when these worlds collide?
When such situations arise, I try to address them transparently at an early stage and work together to find solutions.
I make decisions based on responsibility, commitment and consequences. A play-off match cannot be postponed, and at the same time my role as Compliance Officer at PostFinance is of great importance. This is precisely why I feel a strong sense of responsibility towards my employer.
HWZ takes a highly solution-oriented approach here. The focus is not on rigid formalities, but on finding workable solutions – provided that you yourself demonstrate commitment. Days like these can be very demanding, but it is precisely at such times that it becomes clear this combination only works with discipline and a supportive environment.
You mentioned that HWZ, and in particular your programme director for the MAS Banking & Finance, Costantino Lanni, provide you with strong support. What does «flexibility» mean for you in concrete terms?
For me, flexibility does not mean leniency, but rather a solution-oriented understanding. It is not about lowering standards, but about finding ways to achieve performance even under demanding conditions.
Costantino Lanni in particular was very supportive: understanding in his approach, yet clear in his expectations. This combination was especially valuable to me. I quickly felt that a lot was expected of me, but also that I was capable of meeting those expectations. This trust gave me a sense of security.
What are the greatest challenges that are often underestimated by outsiders when combining studies, work and elite sport?
Often, people see the full calendar but not the ongoing mental strain. The greatest challenge is the constant shift between different demands. In sport, it is about performance; at work, about precision and responsibility; and in studies, about openness and concentration. There are hardly any real periods of downtime. This means that not only resilience is required, but also a high degree of self-management. As a result, there is little time left for personal life and leisure, which can sometimes be frustrating for me and those around me.
You move between very different roles: athlete, student, compliance officer. How do you manage to switch between these roles?
Clear boundaries are essential. I am convinced that one can only be fully present in each role by making a conscious mental shift between them.
Commuting helps me with this. I deliberately use the train journey to switch gears and prepare myself for my next role. These transitions help me to sharpen my focus.
At the same time, there are values that remain constant across all areas: discipline, reliability and responsibility.
What role does this combination of study, work and sport play for your future after your professional sports career?
For me, it forms the foundation for the next stage of my life. In handball, I am nearing the end of my career due to my age. This allows me to use my time more consciously and, in parallel, to build up a professional and academic base.
In my role as Compliance Officer at PostFinance and through my studies at HWZ, I am purposefully working towards my future in banking. If handball is no longer part of my life one day, I want to be ready to embark on the next chapter.
What would you say to someone who thinks, ‘I’ll never manage to juggle my studies, my job and my personal life’?
You do not need to master everything perfectly from the very beginning. What matters is being honest with yourself, setting priorities, and taking responsibility. Many things seem overwhelming until you start to tackle them step by step.
At the same time, it requires discipline, sacrifice, and a supportive environment. Not everything is always possible at once. Yet it is precisely in this that development takes place.
From competitive sport, I have learned that giving your all does not automatically guarantee you will get everything you want. However, it is the only way to achieve anything at all. This mindset continues to guide me today in my studies, in competitive sport, and in my professional life at PostFinance.
Balancing study, career and life
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