2024 Summer Intern Program (New York)

About Sotheby’s

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Synonymous with innovation, Sotheby’s promotes access, connoisseurship and preservation of fine art and rare objects through auctions, private sales and retail locations. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 50 categories, which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Interiors, among many others. Sotheby’s, the oldest and largest internationally recognized firm of fine art auctioneers in the world, has been uniting collectors with world-class works of art since 1744.

We will be offering exceptional undergraduate students the opportunity to participate in a unique 10-week paid Summer Internship Program. Sotheby’s Summer Internship Program provides practical training experience to students interested in pursuing a career in the fine art and auction world. Internships are available across various business areas and interns will work within a specific department based on their academic interests and professional goals. Over the course of the summer program, Sotheby’s interns will experience the inner workings of a world-renowned auction house, see great rarities and discover potential industry career opportunities. In addition, interns will gain exposure to the business through hands-on learning, mentorship, team projects and so much more.

Summer Intern Program

  • Onsite, paid full-time 10-week program, Monday, June 3 – Friday, August 9, 2024
  • Experience the culture and atmosphere of Sotheby’s by taking on responsibilities of Full-Time employees, working on a variety of projects and making meaningful contributions
  • Learn from our leaders about our culture as well as the benefits and responsibilities of being a member of Sotheby’s through ongoing Speaker Series
  • Gain on-the-job training by working alongside experienced professionals on meaningful projects throughout the program
  • Exchange ideas and network with peers, mentors and senior managers through team-building sessions, museum tours and other organized events
  • Innovate with peers through a final Capstone project; interns will have the opportunity to present to executives during the final week of the program

Qualifications, Skills & Requirements

  • Currently pursuing an undergraduate degree with a graduation date between December 2024 and June 2025
  • A strong academic record with a minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Adaptive, multi-tasker with a positive attitude, strong work ethic and demonstrated leadership skills
  • A curiosity and passion for the fine art or luxury markets
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Must be able to complete the entirety of the onsite 10-week program, Monday, June 3 – Friday, August 9, 2024

Deadline

  • Applications will close on January 15, 2024 at 11:59PM EST
  • Incomplete applications or applications completed following the deadline will not be considered

Sotheby’s Summer Internship Grant

At Sotheby’s, we strive to build an organization that is diverse in experience and background. One way we demonstrate this commitment is through Sotheby’s Summer Internship Grant, which is an integral part of our recruiting efforts for college juniors and helps to attract candidates from all over the U.S.. Once you begin the application process for our 2024 Summer Intern Program (New York), you will have the opportunity to apply for the Grant. The Sotheby’s Summer Internship Grant is awarded to students who embody our Business Values; if selected as a recipient, you will receive a one-time financial payment of $2,000 prior to the program start date. We encourage students of all majors and disciplines to apply.

Sotheby’s Summer Internship Grant Essay Questions

Please answer the two short answer essay questions below, as an opportunity for you to demonstrate your interest in Sotheby’s and the broader art and luxury markets. Your response to each question below should be 180 words or less.

  • Why do you want to intern at Sotheby’s? What are your long-term career goals?
  • What is a significant challenge that impacts historically excluded groups in the Art & Luxury markets and what do you believe is the root cause of this challenge? Have you been impacted by or overcome these challenges, if so please provide an example.

Sotheby’s Summer Internship Departments

Please indicate your top 3 department preferences.

  • Business Development: Client Strategy
  • Business Development: Consignment Management
  • Business Development: Fiduciary Client Group (FCG)
  • Business Development: Museum and Corporate Advisory
  • Business Development: Restitution
  • Business Development: Valuations
  • Corporate: Communications
  • Corporate: Creative Services
  • Corporate: Editorial
  • Corporate: Human Resources
  • Corporate: Marketing
  • Corporate: Partnerships & Events
  • Corporate: Social Media
  • Corporate: Video
  • Finance: Sotheby’s Financial Services
  • Global Fine Art: American Art
  • Global Fine Art: Americana
  • Global Fine Art: Chinese Works of Art
  • Global Fine Art: Contemporary Art
  • Global Fine Art: Design
  • Global Fine Art: European Furniture
  • Global Fine Art: European Works of Art
  • Global Fine Art: Impressionist & Modern
  • Global Fine Art: Latin American Art
  • Global Fine Art: Old Masters
  • Global Fine Art: Photo
  • Global Fine Art: Prints & Multiples
  • Global Fine Art: Private Sales
  • Global Fine Art: Silver & Ceramics
  • Luxury: Books & Manuscripts
  • Luxury: Handbags & Accessories
  • Luxury: Jewelry
  • Luxury: Marketplace
  • Luxury: Science & Popular Culture
  • Luxury: Sneakers & Streetwear
  • Luxury: Watches + Clocks
  • Luxury: Wine & Spirits
  • Operations: Logistics (focuses on internal supply chain management and sale calendar planning for sales & exhibitions)
  • Operations: Service Operations (oversees the in-person and transactional client experience)
  • Operations: Security (ensures the highest level of protection for our company, locations, assets, employees and clients)
  • Operations: Procurement (guarantees that Sotheby’s receives the best value for goods and services that are contracted throughout the organization)
  • Operations: Real Estate (manages our real estate portfolio; includes leasing, purchasing, daily building operations, and construction related projects)

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The Company is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applicants for employment without regard to race (including, without limitation, traits historically associated with race, such as natural hair, hair texture, and protective and treated or untreated hairstyles), color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership/union status, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic predisposition, genetic information, reproductive health decision, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, alienage or citizenship status, domestic violence victim status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province or local law. The Company complies with applicable state and local laws prohibiting discrimination in employment in every jurisdiction in which it operates.