2026 Summer Intern Program (New York)

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.

2026 Summer Intern Program (New York)

Sotheby’s, the oldest and largest internationally recognized firm of fine art auctioneers in the world, has been uniting collectors with world-class works of art since 1744. We will be offering exceptional undergraduate students the opportunity to participate in a unique 10-week paid Summer Internship Program. 

Sotheby’s Summer Internship Program provides practical training experience to students interested in pursuing a career in the fine art and auction world. Internships are available across various business areas and interns will work within a specific department based on their academic interests and professional goals. Over the course of the summer program, Sotheby’s interns will experience the inner workings of a world-renowned auction house, see great rarities and discover potential industry career opportunities. In addition, interns will gain exposure to the business through hands-on learning, mentorship, team projects and so much more. 

Summer Intern Program Experience

• Onsite, paid full-time 10-week program, Monday, June 1 – Friday, August 7, 2026
• 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
• Learn from our leaders about our culture as well as the benefits and responsibilities of being a member of Sotheby’s through ongoing Speaker Series
• Gain on-the-job training by working alongside experienced professionals on meaningful projects throughout the program
• Exchange ideas and network with peers, mentors and senior managers through team-building sessions, museum tours and other organized events
• Innovate with peers through a final Capstone project; interns will have the opportunity to present to executives during the final week of the program

Qualifications, Skills & Requirements

• Currently pursuing an undergraduate degree with a graduation date between December 2026 and June 2027
• A strong academic record with a minimum 3.2 GPA 
• Adaptive, multi-tasker with a positive attitude, strong work ethic and demonstrated leadership skills
• A curiosity and passion for the fine art or luxury markets
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Must be able to complete the entirety of the onsite 10-week program

Writing Sample(S)

• Please include a 500-word maximum essay answering the following question: What is Sotheby’s role in the global art and luxury market and how do we continue to diversify ourselves as a brand?
• Required: If you are applying to a Global Fine Art department, please choose a work of art, an artist, or an exhibition and write a 500-word maximum essay. This writing sample should be tailored to your first choice GFA department.

Deadline

• Applications will close on January 1, 2026 at 11:59PM EST
• Incomplete applications or applications completed following the deadline will not be considered

Sotheby's Summer Internship Grant

At Sotheby’s, we strive to build an organization that is diverse in experience and background. One way we demonstrate this commitment is through Sotheby’s Summer Internship Grant, which is an integral part of our recruiting efforts for college juniors and helps to attract candidates from all over the U.S.. Once you begin the application process for our 2026 Summer Intern Program (New York), you will have the opportunity to apply for the Grant. The Sotheby’s Summer Internship Grant is awarded to students who embody our Business Values; if selected as a recipient, you will receive a one-time financial payment of $2,000 prior to the program start date. We encourage students of all majors and disciplines to apply.

Sotheby's Summer Internship Grant Essay Questions

Please answer the short answer essay question below, as an opportunity for you to demonstrate your interest in Sotheby’s and the broader art and luxury markets. Your response should be 180 words or less.

1. What is a significant challenge that impacts historically excluded groups in the Art & Luxury markets and what do you believe is the root cause of this challenge? Have you been impacted by or overcome these challenges, if so please provide an example.

Sotheby's Summer Internship Departments

Please indicate your top 3 department preferences. 

Business Development
These departments focus on driving client engagement and revenue growth. Business Development interns 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:

• Business Development: Client Strategy
• Business Development: Collection Sale Management
• Business Development: Fiduciary Client Group (FCG)
• Business Development: Museum and Corporate Art Group
• Business Development: Valuations 

Corporate
These departments provide exposure to the strategic and operational functions that underpin Sotheby’s global business. Corporate interns 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:

• Corporate: Communications
• Corporate: Content
• Corporate: Editorial
• Corporate: Marketing
• Corporate: Marketing - Media
• Corporate: Proposals
• Corporate: Social Media
• Finance: Sotheby’s Financial Services

Global Fine Art
These departments immerse interns in the world of fine art, spanning categories from Old Masters to Contemporary Art. Global Fine Art interns will collaborate with specialists to gain hands-on experience in cataloging, research, and market analysis, while also supporting auction preparation and client engagement.

Departments:

• 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: Photographs
• Global Fine Art: Prints & Multiples 
• Global Fine Art: Private Sales
• Global Fine Art: Silver & Ceramics

Luxury
Interns 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:

• Luxury: Marketplace
• Luxury: Popular Culture
• Luxury: Science
• Luxury: Sneakers, Sports Memorabilia, & Modern Collectibles
• Luxury: Watches + Clocks 
• Luxury: Wine & Spirits
• Luxury: Books & Manuscripts
• Luxury: Handbags & Accessories
• Luxury: Jewelry 

Operations
The Operations division offers a behind-the-scenes perspective on the logistical and operational functions that ensure Sotheby’s success. Interns will gain valuable experience in client services, project management, logistics, and/or 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:

• 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: 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

Sotheby’s Product & Technology team drives innovation across the auction house, building digital platforms and tools that enhance how clients discover, buy, and sell art and luxury goods. Interns in this division combine data, design, and cutting-edge technology to modernize the auction experience while preserving Sotheby’s heritage of expertise. Interns will be expected to be onsite in our New York office, even though Product & Technology team members are located globally and are mostly remote.

Departments:

• 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

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