ABOUT SOTHEBY'S
Established in 1744, Sotheby’s promotes access and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions, private sales and retail. Our deep expertise across 70 selling categories is supported by a leading technology platform and a global network of specialists spanning 40 countries. Selling categories 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 through RM Sotheby’s and Concierge. Sotheby’s Financial Services is a leading art lender and provides capital solutions for collectors around the world, having originated more than $12 billion in loans since its inception. Sotheby’s new global headquarters is now open at the iconic Breuer building at 945 Madison Avenue in New York City.
Sotheby’s, the oldest and largest internationally recognised firm of fine art auctioneers in the world, has been uniting collectors with world-class works of art since 1744.
We will be looking for exceptional candidates at graduate-level or equivalent to participate in our unique 14-week paid Internship Programme this Autumn.
The objective of the Sotheby’s Internship Programme is to provide practical training experience to candidates interested in pursuing a career in the auction world. Placements are available across both Specialist and Business areas at Sotheby’s.
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 autumn auction season, our interns will have the opportunity to learn about the inner workings of a renowned auction house, see great rarities and works of art, and discover potential industry careers. Interns will also attend seminars led by senior staff members on a regular basis and will be assigned a group project to present to a panel of programme sponsors during the final week of the internship.
Our Autumn 2026 Internship Programme will run from Thursday 3rd September 2026 - Friday 11th December 2026.
Candidate Profile
- A curiosity and passion for learning
- Teamwork experience
- A positive attitude and self-motivation
- Strong interpersonal skills
- A strong academic record
Eligibility Requirements
- Candidates must be graduate level or equivalent
- Must be able to commit to the entirety of the 14-week program, Monday – Friday, 9am - 5pm
- Candidates must be authorised to work in the United Kingdom without visa sponsorship
Deadline
- Applications for our internship will be open from 12pm UK Time on Friday 1st May 2026 and close at 12pm UK Time on Thursday 14th May 2026.
- Incomplete or unsubmitted applications will not be considered.
- Once your application has been submitted, please note you may not receive any communication in response to your application until 20th June 2026.
Departments
Please use the list below to indicate in your application up to 3 departments (in order of preference) your areas of interest for the autumn internship. Sotheby’s will strive to match each candidate with an appropriate department based on interest and background. We cannot guarantee you will be placed in the department of your choosing and not all departments offer internships every programme cycle.
- Arts and Objects
- Marketing
- Books & Manuscripts
- Contemporary Art
- Communications/Press
- Impressionist & Modern Art
- Jewellery
- Old Master Paintings
- Watches
- Wine
- Business Management (Global Fine Art or Luxury)
- Finance (Tax)
- Valuations
- Restitution
To view our Candidate Privacy Notice for the US, please click here.
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.
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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