About the Programme
Christie’s London Work Experience Programme offers individuals the opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the world’s leading art business.
The programme is designed for those with a genuine interest in art, business, and careers within the art market. Participants will gain exposure to Christie’s day-to-day operations and develop an understanding of how different teams work together across specialist, operational, and corporate functions.
The experience is primarily observational and shadowing-based, providing meaningful insight rather than independent responsibility.
Programme Format
We offer a limited number of work experience placements in our London offices each year. Placements are dependent on departmental availability and business needs and can last between one and four weeks, with four weeks being the maximum length.
Availability varies throughout the year to ensure participants join at times when teams are able to offer a meaningful and engaging experience.
Work experience at Christie’s is voluntary and unpaid. However, we provide:
A £10 daily allowance towards lunch
Uncapped reimbursement of standard public transport travel costs for daily travel to and from Christie’s London offices (excluding first class and subject to receipts). This covers normal day‑to‑day commuting costs only.
If you are looking for paid opportunities, please explore our careers page HERE.
Standard working hours are 9:00am–5:00pm, Monday to Friday, and participants are expected to follow a smart business dress code.
Available Clusters
Placements are offered across the following clusters, subject to availability:
20th / 21st Century
Old Masters
Classic Art
Islamic Art
Archives
Valuations
Client Management
Operations
Marketing
Finance
Human Resources
Legal
Applicants will be asked to indicate their preferred clusters as part of the application process. While we make every effort to place participants in areas aligned with their interests, specific placements cannot be guaranteed.
Application Process
Applications to the Work Experience Programme are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year.
Once you apply, your application will be placed into our screening pool. Applications are then shared with the relevant department managers.
Departments review applications as often as possible and select candidates to join them during specific periods, depending on business needs and availability.
Please note that demand for work experience placements far exceeds the availability of places. Unfortunately, we are only able to contact applicants who are successful.
You may apply once per year only. As part of the application, you will be asked to:
Select your top two cluster preferences
Indicate the months you are most available (if your application is shortlisted, a member of the team will contact you to discuss your availability in more detail)
Submit your CV
Each year, a new application link is created for the Work Experience Programme. If you are not successful in securing a placement in one year, you are welcome to apply again in the following year.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Christie’s Work Experience Programme, applicants must:
16+ years of age at the time of placement
Be able to commit to the full-time work experience hours: 9:00am–5:00pm, Monday to Friday
Have the right to work in the UK (we are unable to sponsor or support visa applications)
Be willing to sign and comply with Christie’s confidentiality agreement
Please note that eligibility does not guarantee placement, as availability varies by department and demand for work experience placements is extremely high.
Close date for 2026 programme: November 30th 2026
Open date for the 2027 programme: December 1st 2026
Skills Required
- Must be at least 16 years old at the time of placement
- Must commit to full-time hours from 9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday
- Must have the right to work in the UK
- Must be willing to sign and comply with Christie’s confidentiality agreement
- Submit a CV with the application
What We Do
Founded in 1766, Christie’s is a world-leading art and luxury business renowned for its expert live and online auctions and bespoke private sales. The company provides a comprehensive portfolio of global services, including art appraisal, art financing, international real estate, and education. With a presence in 46 countries, it serves a global clientele through flagship hubs in New York, London, Hong Kong, Paris, and Geneva.
