ABOUT SOTHEBY'S
Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.
Sotheby’s 2026 Associates Program (New York)
Join the legacy of Sotheby’s, the world’s oldest and largest internationally recognized auction house, uniting collectors with world-class works of art since 1744. We are offering exceptional recent graduates an exciting opportunity to participate in our prestigious 2-year Associates Program.
The Sotheby’s Associates Program is designed to provide practical training and immersive experiences for entry-level talent passionate about pursuing a career in the fine art and luxury industries. Associates will be placed into one of five tracks based on their academic interests and career aspirations:
Business Development Track
This track equips Associates with the skills needed to drive client engagement and revenue growth. Associates will explore strategies for identifying new business opportunities and forging strategic partnerships, from collectors to museums, while contributing to Sotheby’s market-leading position in the fine art and luxury industries.
Departments for Rotations:
- Business Development: Client Strategy
- Business Development: Consignment Management
- Business Development: Fiduciary Client Group (FCG)
- Business Development: Museum and Corporate Art Group
- Business Development: Restitution
- Business Development: Valuations
Corporate Track
The Corporate track provides exposure to the strategic and operational functions that underpin Sotheby’s global business. Associates may gain experience in key areas such as Marketing, Communications, Finance, Legal, and Human Resources, building a strong foundation for a career in the corporate side of the fine art and luxury industries.
Departments for Rotations:
- Corporate: Communications
- Corporate: Content
- Corporate: Editorial
- Corporate: Human Resources
- Corporate: Marketing
- Corporate: Marketing - Media
- Corporate: Proposals
- Corporate: Social Media
- Finance: Sotheby’s Financial Services
Global Fine Art Track
This track immerses Associates in the world of fine art, spanning categories from Old Masters to Contemporary Art. Associates will collaborate with specialists to gain hands-on experience in cataloging, research, and market analysis, while also supporting auction preparation and client engagement.
Departments for Rotations:
- 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: Indian & South East Asian Art and African & Oceanic
- 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 Track
Associates in the Luxury track are immersed in Sotheby’s expanding luxury categories, including Jewelry, Watches, Sneakers, Sports Memorabilia, and Modern Collectibles. They will work alongside specialists to gain firsthand experience in cataloging, research, and market analysis, as well as supporting auction preparation and client interactions.
Departments for Rotations:
- Luxury: Marketplace
- Luxury: Science & Popular Culture
- Luxury: Sneakers & Streetwear
- Luxury: Watches + Clocks
- Luxury: Wine & Spirits
- Luxury: Books & Manuscripts
- Luxury: Handbags & Accessories
- Luxury: Jewelry
Operations Track
The Operations track offers a behind-the-scenes perspective on the logistical and operational functions that ensure Sotheby’s success. Associates will gain valuable experience in client services, project management, logistics, and facilities planning, contributing to the seamless execution of auctions, exhibitions, and global events. Above all, the Operations team prioritizes delivering an excellent client experience and providing a safe environment for colleagues, clients, and artwork.
Departments for Rotations:
- 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)
Program Structure
Over two years, Associates will gain a comprehensive understanding of Sotheby’s business through:
- Three 6-month rotations within their assigned track, offering deep exposure to their focus area.
- Two 3-month rotations in key support departments—Operations, Marketing, Client Strategy, and Business Management—providing a holistic perspective on how our business functions work together.
What to Expect
Associates will experience the inner workings of a world-renowned auction house while engaging with great rarities and masterpieces. Highlights of the program include:
- Hands-on learning: Gain real-world insights through rotational assignments and team projects.
- Executive exposure: Interact with senior leaders and industry experts.
- Professional development: Receive world-class training and mentorship.
- Career discovery: Explore diverse opportunities in the fine art and luxury sectors.
This program is designed to cultivate talent, foster relationships across Sotheby’s, and prepare Associates for dynamic careers in the art and luxury industries.
Associates Program Role and Responsibilities
- 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
- Opportunity to be placed into 1 of 5 tracks:
- Business Development
- Corporate
- Specialist - Global Fine Art
- Specialist - Luxury
- Operations
- Complete a series of 3-six month department rotations within assigned track and 2-three month rotations in key support departments (for example: Operations, Marketing, Client Strategy and Business Management)
- Gain on-the-job training by working alongside experienced professionals on meaningful projects throughout the program
- Immersive orientation and training program
- Exchange ideas and network with peers, mentors and senior managers through team-building sessions and organized events
Qualifications, Skills & Requirements
- Must be able to complete the entirety of the onsite 2 year program beginning on Tuesday, September 8, 2026
- A recent undergraduate with a graduation date between December 2024 and June 2026
- A strong academic record with a minimum 3.2 GPA
- Ideally with 6-months to 2-years of work experience
- 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
- Ability to multi task and perform in a pressured environment and handle high level of responsibility
- Ability to work well with others as well as independently in order to achieve deadlines
- Occasional long hours required, included late evenings and weekends during sale deadlines, exhibitions and auctions
- Strong computer skills with knowledge of Excel, Word and PowerPoint
Deadline
- Applications will close on February 27, 2026 at 11:59PM EST
- Incomplete applications or applications completed following the deadline will not be considered
The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $50,000 - $55,000. In addition to base salary, successful candidates are eligible to receive a benefits package. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, licensure or certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered.
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To view our Candidate Privacy Notice for the UK, Hong Kong, France and Switzerland, please click here.
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.
Sotheby's Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Sotheby's and has not been reviewed or approved by Sotheby's.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare coverage is described as broad, spanning medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, and company-paid life insurance. Mental health benefits and disability coverage are also included as part of the package.
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Retirement Support — Retirement support includes a 401(k) plan with company matching. Additional financial supports such as flexible spending accounts and an employee stock purchase plan are also referenced.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time-off policies are characterized as generous, including paid time off, paid holidays, and sick days. Paid parental leave and family-related supports are also included in the overall offering.
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What We Do
Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access, connoisseurship and preservation of fine art and rare objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and 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.
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