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 2027 Associates Program (Hong Kong)
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.
Program Structure
Over the course of two years, Associates will gain a comprehensive understanding of Sotheby's business through:
- Primary placement, providing in-depth exposure to a core business area.
- Cross function rotations across key support functions, offering a holistic understanding of how Sotheby's delivers exceptional client experience and business results.
What You Can Expect
Associates will gain firsthand experience of a world-renowned auction house while working alongside experts and engaging in exceptional art and luxury objects.
- Hands-on learning: Gain real-world insights through rotational assignments and team projects.
- Executive exposure: Build relationships with senior leaders and industry experts.
- Professional development: Participate in structured learning, mentorship, and career development opportunities.
- Cross-functional learning: Develop a broad understanding of Sotheby's business and the art and luxury market.
- Networking opportunities: Connect with peers and colleagues across the organization through events, workshops, and collaborative projects.
Role and Responsibilities
- Participate in a structured 2-year rotational program consisting of primary and cross-functional placement.
- Contribute to business-critical projects and initiatives, taking on responsibilities comparable to those of full-time employees.
- Develop technical, commercial, and professional skills through on-the-job learning, formal training, and mentorship.
- Build a strong internal network through participation in team events, learning sessions, and leadership engagement opportunities.
- Demonstrate curiosity, initiative, and a commitment to continuous learning throughout the program.
Qualifications, Skills & Requirements
We seek high-potential graduates with strong academic achievement, leadership potential, intellectual curiosity, and a passion for building a career in the art, luxury, and cultural sectors.
- Availability to participate in the full-time, office-based 2-year Associate Programme commencing in September 2027.
- A university degree in any discipline, completed between January 2026 and June 2027.
- Strong academic performance and evidence of leadership through academic, extracurricular, community, or professional experiences.
- A growth mindset, learning agility and genuine curiosity to explore different aspects of the business.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English; proficiency in an additional Asian language is an advantage.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving and critical thinking skills, with the ability to assess information, draw insights and make sound decisions.
- The ability to navigate ambiguity, solve complex problems and deliver results under pressure, while demonstrating sound judgement, discretion and a commitment to compliance, ethics and client confidentiality.
- Strong commercial awareness and an interest in the global art, luxury, client service and cultural landscape.
- The ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt to changing business needs and perform effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, balanced with the initiative to work independently and take ownership of outcomes.
- Demonstrated resilience, professionalism and a strong work ethic, with a willingness to embrace new challenges and responsibilities.
- Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends during exhibitions, auctions and other key business events.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, PowerPoint and Word.
Deadline
- Applications will close on November 8, 2026 at 11:59PM HKT
- Incomplete applications or applications completed following the deadline will not be considered
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.
Skills Required
- Availability for the full-time, office-based two-year program beginning September 2027
- University degree in any discipline completed between January 2026 and June 2027
- Strong academic performance
- Leadership experience through academic, extracurricular, community, or professional activities
- Strong verbal and written English communication skills
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills
- Ability to manage ambiguity, solve complex problems, and deliver results under pressure
- Sound judgment, discretion, compliance awareness, ethics, and commitment to client confidentiality
- Strong commercial awareness and interest in the global art, luxury, client service, and cultural sectors
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing business needs
- Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with ability to work independently
- Resilience, professionalism, strong work ethic, and willingness to take on new challenges
- Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
- Proficiency in an additional Asian language
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.
Sotheby's Insights
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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