Sonia Antochowska-Klaja

Die Autobahn GmbH des Bundes

Sonia works at Die Autobahn GmbH des Bundes in Hamm. She went to the German-Polish Gymnasium in Löcknitz, where the Viadrina was a very popular choice among graduates. She was persuaded by students, advertising the Viadrina at various schools.

Why did Sonia choose this career path?

Immediately after graduating, Sonia was working in a law firm and that job didn't quite suit her, so she started looking around for something else. She was looking for a niche, i.e. a branch of law in which she would be an expert. She wanted a job where she felt confident and didn't have to stress herself out all the time. She came across public procurement law by accident, but immediately liked it because her favourite subject at university was Öffentliches Recht.

What does Sonia's job entail?

Die Autobahn GmbH, as the name suggests, is involved in the construction, planning, maintenance and financing of German motorways. These are mostly huge projects and the contractors are private companies. Its task is to prepare and conduct public tenders, evaluate and compare bids, negotiate with bidders and finally prepare and sign contracts.

In the meantime, she is involved in dispelling legal doubts related to public procurement. Laws and case law are an integral part of her daily work. She is also a member of the public procurement team.

Work in the public sector

This job is a great choice for those who value their private life and don't want to lose it at the expense of overtime - flexible working hours, financial stability, permanent contract, 30 days' holiday!

Thanks to all this, Sonia manages to balance work and family life. She has two wonderful daughters, and her job enables her to reconcile her role as a mum and a lawyer. Sonia's work is a great way to make a difference.

Advice for female students deciding on a career choice

"Aim high, despite all odds. I myself did not have it easy, having to work for my living practically from the first to the last semester, I had a language barrier and yet I studied quite well, got involved in student life (student government, ELSA) and social life. You have to learn to be disciplined and prioritise your activities."

At university, Sonia has fond memories of everything! It was a great time for her. But she especially fondly remembers the people, life in the dormitories, the Erasmus in Vienna, the crafter competitions and the fact that she found a husband during her studies.

Sonia's free time is a lot of fun. In her free time, Sonia is passionate about confectionery. But in addition to devouring sweets, she also absorbs a lot of theoretical knowledge. If she is not reading recipes or textbooks, she reaches for detective stories by Polish authors. She enjoys spending time actively, travelling and drinking coffee.