Sotheby's Summer Intern

About Sotheby's

Sotheby’s is an auction house founded in London in 1744. Its specialists work across fine art and collecting categories including jewelry, watches, handbags, wine, design, and classic cars. The house connects collectors through live and online auctions, private sales, and fixed-price purchases. Its work spans specialist research and cataloging, client services, marketing, technology, finance, and operations, supporting the preparation, sale, and movement of objects across its international network.

Role & Responsibilities

• Take on responsibilities of full-time employees, contribute to projects and make meaningful contributions.
• Participate in ongoing Speaker Series sessions to learn about Sotheby’s culture, benefits and responsibilities.
• Work alongside experienced professionals on meaningful projects to gain on-the-job training.
• Exchange ideas and network with peers, mentors and senior managers through team-building sessions, museum tours and other organized events.
• Collaborate with peers on a final Capstone project and present to executives during the final week of the program.
• Depending on the selected department, contribute to client engagement and revenue growth; explore new business opportunities and strategic partnerships; support corporate functions; collaborate with fine art specialists on cataloging, research, market analysis, auction preparation and client engagement; support luxury-category cataloging, research, market analysis, auction preparation and client interactions; or contribute to client services, project management, logistics, facilities planning, supply chain management, sale-calendar planning, procurement, real estate operations, product management, software development, data engineering or business intelligence.
• In Operations, contribute to the smooth execution of auctions, exhibitions and global events, supporting an excellent client experience and a safe environment for colleagues, clients and artwork.
• In Product & Technology, contribute to digital platforms and tools that improve how clients discover, buy and sell art and luxury goods.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing an undergraduate degree, with an expected graduation date between December 2027 and June 2028.
• Minimum 3.3 GPA and a strong academic record.
• Adaptability, multitasking ability, a positive attitude, a strong work ethic and demonstrated leadership skills.
• Curiosity and passion for the fine art or luxury markets.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Availability to complete the entire onsite 10-week program.
• Submit an essay of no more than 500 words answering: “What is Sotheby’s role in the global art and luxury market and how do we continue to diversify ourselves as a brand?”
• Applicants to a Global Fine Art department must also submit an essay of no more than 500 words on a work of art, artist or exhibition, tailored to their first-choice Global Fine Art department.

Skills

Education

Currently pursuing an undergraduate degree, with an expected graduation date between December 2027 and June 2028.

Compensation

The base compensation for this position is USD 22 per hour.

Benefits

Paid internship; on-the-job training, mentorship, team projects, Speaker Series, team-building sessions, museum tours and other organized events.

Culture

Sotheby’s describes its culture in terms of client service, specialist knowledge, curiosity, collaboration, and ethical conduct. Its careers materials emphasize working across disciplines and encouraging employees to explore internal opportunities.

About Cerulean

Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.