Sotheby’s 2027 Summer Intern Program

About the Role

Sotheby’s is offering exceptional undergraduate students the opportunity to participate in a unique 10-week paid Summer Internship Program. This 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, interns will experience the inner workings of a world-renowned auction house, see great rarities, and discover potential industry career opportunities. Interns will gain exposure to the business through hands-on learning, mentorship, and team projects.

Sotheby’s Summer Internship Departments

• Business Development: Client Strategy, Collection Sale Management, Fiduciary Client Group (FCG), Museum and Corporate Art Group, Valuations
• Corporate: Communications, Content, Editorial, Marketing, Marketing – Media, Proposals, Social Media
• Finance: Sotheby’s Financial Services
• Global Fine Art: American Art, Americana, Chinese Works of Art, Contemporary Art, Design, European Furniture, European Works of Art, Impressionist & Modern, Indian & South East Asian Art and African & Oceanic, Latin American Art, Old Masters, Photographs, Prints & Multiples, Private Sales, Silver & Ceramics
• Luxury: Marketplace, Music & Popular Culture, Science & Natural History, Sneakers, Sports Memorabilia, & Modern Collectibles, Watches + Clocks, Wine & Spirits, Books & Manuscripts, Handbags & Accessories, Jewelry
• Operations: Supply Chain (focuses on internal supply chain management and sale calendar planning for sales & exhibitions), Client Experience (oversees the in-person and transactional client experience), Procurement (guarantees that Sotheby’s receives the best value for goods and services that are contracted throughout the organization), 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), Software Development, Data Engineering & Business Intelligence

Key Details

• Compensation: ~$17/hour or more (estimate based on NYC minimum wage)
• Duration: 10 weeks (June 7–August 13, 2027)
• Schedule: Full-Time
• Deadline: December 31, 2026 (11:59PM ET)

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing an undergraduate degree with a graduation date between December 2027 and June 2028
• A strong academic record with a minimum 3.3 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.