31.07.2024Lukas Flüeler, MAS Finance

Lukas Flüeler, 35, works as a Strategy Manager at Swiss Life and lives in Bern. The father of two is well known to all Swiss hockey fans: As a former ZSC goalkeeper, he can look back on a 15-year career with four championship titles. He can now also boast another success: the completion of the MAS Finance programme at the University of Zurich. Thanks to a customised study plan and a great deal of discipline, he was able to successfully complete the course while working full-time - first on the ice and then in the office at Swiss Life. He particularly appreciated the personal contacts and the broadening of his horizons that he gained from his fellow students.

I studied Business Administration at the University of Applied Sciences for my Bachelor's and Master's degrees and then looked for further education at university level. The MAS Finance programme at the University of Zurich quickly caught my eye. I asked the finance team whether it would be possible for me to take part in the programme alongside my ice hockey career. They then drew up a customised plan for me. This meant I could continue to play on the ice alongside my studies.

I've always had a flair for and a great interest in finance and figures, even during my studies. That's why I joined Swiss Life in project controlling. My current job in Strategy is also in the area of finance. I was also impressed by the wide range of topics available on the MAS Finance programme. I was particularly interested in those modules that have points of contact with the insurance industry, such as Future Business Models or Insurance for Development. For these reasons, I decided in favour of the MAS Finance, which I am still very happy about.

Firstly, I liked the numerous options available. Based on my profession and interests, I was able to put together a degree programme that was perfectly suited to me.

Secondly, I was very pleased to meet so many exciting and different people from very different fields of work. Because I come from a sporting background and have only been working in the professional world for three years, so to speak, I lacked a view from outside the insurance industry. Thanks to my fellow students, who have worked for the federal government or in banks, for example, I now have this perspective. I found this very exciting and enriching for my own professional career.

It was a challenge for me to juggle work, family and further education. However, with good organisation and support at work and in my private life, anything is possible.

I really liked the whole topic of corporate finance, I was able to take a lot from it for my understanding of the financial world and its interrelationships. I really liked the fact that current topics, such as the current banking crisis, were taken up and discussed straight away and not just going over old material, because the world of finance is changing very quickly. I found it extremely exciting to discuss this with experts.

I thought it was great to get to know the University of Zurich and to be a part of it for four years. It was great to have a coffee or a beer with the professors and talk about business and private matters or exchange different views. Getting to know the many people and their stories and experiences was very valuable for me and I will always remember that fondly. I also think it's great that I'm still in contact with some people.

I was particularly interested in the M&A topics and I would like to take what I learnt in these areas with me and implement and deepen it in the insurance industry. The fact that experts from the industry gave the lectures made it particularly exciting for me.

It has brought me a lot on various levels. On the one hand, on a human level, as I got to know a lot of people from different sectors. This also benefits my employer. Because in the area of strategy, where I work, it's extremely important to know what's going on with the banks and the other big players on the market.

On the other hand, the specialised knowledge I have acquired has of course also helped me. I can take a lot from topics such as corporate finance for my job, for example when it comes to KPIs and their interpretation for the insurance industry.

Basically, I believe that continuing your education is always a good thing. If you set yourself a goal and achieve it with a lot of discipline, it's an incredibly good feeling.

Yes, absolutely, I would recommend it to anyone working in the financial industry. Continuing your education at a very high level, receiving input from experienced lecturers and at the same time continuing to work in your profession is a perfect match. I am also extremely grateful to my employer, Swiss Life, for making this experience possible.

I found the team to be very professional, very approachable and super organised. I always felt very well prepared thanks to all the tools and information we were provided with. Communication was also exactly as you would want it to be; solutions were always sought and presented for any questions or problems.

There were always ups and downs during the season and the semester, I think that's part of it. I certainly knew my way around the skates a bit better and knew from experience that things go up again after a low point. I still had to learn that in the MAS. But in both sport and studying, it's possible to achieve something as part of a team, which makes both very exciting and worthwhile.

(Here you will find more information about the MAS Finance.)

Text: Linda Betschart