Summer 2023 Internship Program at Sotheby’s

Overview

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!

The objective of the Sotheby’s Summer Internship Program is to provide practical training experience to students interested in pursuing a career in the fine art and auction world. Internships are available across various business areas. Interns will be assigned a department based on their academic interests and professional goals and will work under the supervision of a designated staff member. Over the course of the summer program, Sotheby’s interns will have the opportunity to learn about the inner workings of a world-renowned auction house, see great rarities and works of art, and discover potential industry careers. In addition, Interns will gain exposure to the business through hands-on learning, executive exposure, team projects and so much more.

Sotheby’s is continuing to closely monitor New York State guidelines in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The safety of our employees and interns is our top priority. Currently, we are looking forward to welcoming our 2023 Summer Intern class onsite in our New York City Headquarters.

Summer Intern Program

  • 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
  • Immersive orientation and training program; learn from our leaders about our culture as well as the benefits and responsibilities of being a member of Sotheby’s during weekly Speaker Series
  • Continuous on-the-job training and work alongside experienced professionals on meaningful projects throughout the program
  • Exchange ideas and network with peers, mentors and senior managers through team-building sessions, speaker series, museum tours and other organized events
  • Innovate with peers, throughout the internship there will be ample opportunities to collaborate with peers 

Qualifications, Skills & Requirements

  • Pursuing an undergraduate degree with a graduation date between December 2023 and June 2024
  • A strong academic record with a minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Adaptive, positive attitude, multi-tasker, team player, strong work ethic, leadership skills with a curiosity and passion for learning
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Complete the entirety of the onsite 10-week program, Monday, June 5 – Friday, August 11, 2023

Deadline

  • The application closes on January 15, 2023 at 11:59PM EST
  • Incomplete applications or applications completed following the deadline will not be considered
  • Apply now: https://grnh.se/e96501fc4us

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, helping to attract candidates from all over the U.S.. Once you begin the application process for our 2023 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. We encourage students of all majors and disciplines to apply.

Sotheby's Summer Internship Grant Essay Questions

During the application process you will be asked to answer the two short answer essay questions below. This is 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 500 words or less.

  1. Why do you want to intern at Sotheby’s? What are your long-term career goals?
  2. 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.

Summer Internship Departments

During the application process you will be asked to indicate your top 3 department preferences.

  • Business: Communications
  • Business: Marketing
  • Business: Social
  • Business: Video
  • Finance: Sotheby’s Financial Services
  • Global Fine Art: African & Oceanic
  • Global Fine Art: American Art
  • Global Fine Art: Americana
  • Global Fine Art: Chinese Works of Art
  • Global Fine Art: Contemporary Art (Day/Curated)
  • Global Fine Art: Contemporary Art (Evening Sale) 
  • Global Fine Art: Contemporary Art (Online) 
  • Global Fine Art: Design
  • Global Fine Art: European Furniture 
  • Global Fine Art: European Works of Art
  • Global Fine Art: Gallery & Private Dealer Services
  • Global Fine Art: Impressionist & Modern (Day)
  • Global Fine Art: Impressionist & Modern (Evening Sale)
  • Global Fine Art: Impressionist & Modern (Online)
  • Global Fine Art: Indian & South East Asian Art
  • Global Fine Art: Latin American Art
  • Global Fine Art: Marketplace
  • Global Fine Art: Old Masters
  • Global Fine Art: Photo
  • Global Fine Art: Prints & Multiples 
  • Global Fine Art: Private Sales
  • Global Fine Art: Silver & Ceramics
  • Global Fine Art: Business Development: Client Strategy
  • Global Fine Art: Business Development: Consignment Management
  • Global Fine Art: Business Development: Fiduciary Client Group (FCG)
  • Global Fine Art: Business Development: Valuations 
  • Luxury: Books & Manuscripts
  • Luxury: Handbags & Accessories
  • Luxury: Jewelry 
  • Luxury: Marketplace
  • Luxury: Science & Popular Culture 
  • Luxury: Sneakers & Streetwear
  • Luxury: Watches + Clocks 
  • Luxury: Wine & Spirits
  • Human Resources: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
  • Human Resources: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
  • Human Resources: Talent Acquisition
  • Operations: Logistics (focus is 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 (focus on the highest level of protection for our company, locations, assets, employees and clients)
  • Operations: Procurement (ensuring we’re getting the best value for goods and services we contract throughout the organization)
  • Operations: Real Estate (manages our real estate portfolio; including leasing, purchasing, daily building operations, and construction related projects)