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.

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 Potential 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 Potential 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 Potential 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 Potential 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 Potential 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 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

 

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.