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 2025 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 18-month Associates Program.

About the 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
Corporate
Global Fine Art
Luxury
Operations

Program Structure
Over 18 months, Associates will gain a comprehensive understanding of Sotheby’s business through:

Two 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:
1. Business Development
2. Corporate
3. Specialist - Global Fine Art
4. Specialist - Luxury
5. Operations
Complete a series of 2-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 18 month program beginning on Tuesday, September 2, 2025
A recent undergraduate with a graduation date between December 2023 and June 2025
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 16, 2025 at 11:59PM EST
Incomplete applications or applications completed following the deadline will not be considered

Sotheby's Associates Program Departments

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: 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: 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: Books & Manuscripts
Luxury: Handbags & Accessories
Luxury: Jewelry
Luxury: Marketplace
Luxury: Science & Popular Culture
Luxury: Sneakers & Streetwear
Luxury: Watches + Clocks
Luxury: Wine & Spirits
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)
Product & Technology: Product Management (work within cross-functional teams to understand, define, and prioritize business problems)
Product & Technology: Software Development
Product & Technology: Data Engineering & Business Intelligence

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.

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.

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