Securing an internship in any field can be difficult, especially within highly competitive spaces like the art industry. But there are clear strategies that can increase your chances of successfully securing an internship.

Sotheby’s Institute MA in Contemporary Art and MA in Luxury Business alumnae, Annette Fernando and Rania Tazi share how they found their first opportunities, navigated the application and interview process, and made a successful start to their careers as art professionals.

How to Find an Art Internship

Art internships can be found through a multitude of channels including university placement programs, institutional websites, industry newsletters, and direct outreach.

Left: MA in Contemporary Art alumna Annette Fernando (image courtesy of Holly Wren)

Artist and Curator Fernando recalls that her earliest experience came through a school-supported placement at the Royal Court Theatre when she was just 16. During the two-week placement, she rotated through departments, assisting with research, archives, front-of-house work, and administrative tasks.

From there, volunteering was her path to securing additional internships within her area of interest.

“I taught art classes in a care home, volunteered as an artist’s workshop assistant for The Big Draw festival, and took part in youth projects at Tate Britain. This volunteering led me to land my first proper internship, assisting contemporary artists in their studios.”

Tazi found her first internship through Sotheby’s Institute of Art’s work placement elective during her master’s program—a placement that would eventually become her full-time role.

“My first art internship was actually at my current company, 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair,” says Tazi, who now heads VIP Relations at the same company.

Left: MA in Luxury Business alumna Rania Tazi

“Without Sotheby’s Institute, I probably wouldn’t have even known what an art fair was. That proximity and exposure completely shifted my career direction.”

If you’re not seeing a clear way into the industry, that’s okay too. Everyone starts somewhere, and this is where your connections come in, whether they be classmates, professors, club leaders, or friends of friends.

“I wish I’d realized sooner how much simply asking for help or guidance can open doors, and that it’s okay to apply for opportunities even if you don’t meet every requirement,” says Fernando. “Afterall, internships are designed for learning on the job.”

The key takeaway: there is no single route into the art world. Early opportunities—whether work placements, volunteering, or structured internships—are about gaining as much exposure and momentum as possible.

How to Create an Application that Stands Out

Once you’ve identified an opportunity, preparation is often what will set you apart. Research plays a critical role in this stage of your internship journey.

Tazi reflects on how she approached her application for 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair: “I researched the company extensively. I read interviews with the founder and team members, learned about the fair’s positioning, and tried to understand its identity beyond the business side.”

She also reached out to people who had attended or worked with the organization. “What mattered most to me was understanding the culture and work environment, but also catching the little things that could make the difference.”

Your resume and cover letter should be tailored, concise, and easy to read. Fernando suggests thinking of your materials as a narrative rather than a record.

“Think of your resume and cover letter as a form of storytelling. You’re not recounting everything you’ve done, but instead curating the narrative that speaks directly to this specific role.”

If you have experience outside of the art world, don’t be too quick to leave these roles off of your resume. Make sure to consider and highlight any transferable skills that might help you stand out as an applicant.

“Years in customer-facing roles strengthened my ability to communicate, collaborate, and curate, while marketing experience taught me to promote ideas, build relationships, and develop brand collaborations,” says Fernando.

Approaching Networking with a New Perspective

Don’t know where to start when it comes to networking? That’s okay—and completely normal. There’s no “right way” to network, and oftentimes it can look like just having a conversation with someone you admire.

“Reaching out for an informal coffee or conversation can be incredibly valuable,” says Fernando. “Most people are generous with their time, and those small connections often lead to unexpected opportunities.”

As important as it is to build a formal network, recommendations often come from people who remember your work ethic from courses, volunteering, or jobs you’ve participated in.

“I think the key to receiving recommendations is saying yes to opportunities across different fields and giving each one your all,” says Fernando. “That consistency is what gets you remembered and invited back.”

Art Internship Interview Tips

Interviews can be intimidating, particularly in a competitive industry. When it comes to pre-interview nerves, preparation is key to bolstering your self-confidence and showing up as the best version of yourself.

As Tazi prepared for her interview with 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, she researched the organization to identify and understand which of her skills best aligned with the art fair’s mission.

“Through my research, I knew that my background in film and event production was highly relevant—an art fair functions very much like a large-scale event.”

Pinpointing these key insights shows your interviewer that you’ve spent time getting to know the company and role. Knowing how you’ll apply your experience to their unique needs also helps them to envision you in the role before you’ve even become a member of their team.

Fernando recommends reframing interviews as conversations rather than evaluations to ease the pressure. “I try to see interviews as a two-way conversation. It’s an opportunity for me to learn about them as much as it is for them to learn about me.”

Ask yourself what you want to learn from the company and what genuinely excites you about the role. Authentic curiosity and an eagerness to learn are qualities that stand out and will certainly be noticed by your interviewer.

How to Succeed in an Art Internship

Landing an internship is only the beginning, and how you approach the role determines what comes next in your art career. So how can you make the most of your internship?

Once you start your internship, a willingness to learn and eagerness to work is key to becoming a helpful (and unforgettable) team member.

If you’re nervous about asking too many questions, don’t be! The fastest way to become an expert in your role is to ask questions, internalize your learnings, and apply them to what’s next.

Although it’s important to take on as many projects as possible, it’s important to set realistic expectations. A few thoughtfully executed projects will always be better than a wealth of half-done ones. Great interns bring consistency and care to every task.

“Making a lasting impression comes down to being reliable, curious, and generous with your time and energy,” says Fernando.

She recalls being recognized for completing a long-overlooked task during her placement in the South Asian department at Sotheby’s: “I reorganized their library—a task given to several interns before me but never fully completed. I approached it with the same care I’d give to more visible work. That’s what stood out.”

Building Relationships and Leaving a Lasting Impression

Internships are as much about relationships as they are about responsibilities. Listening carefully, observing team dynamics, and anticipating needs can make a lasting impact.

“Listen and observe before trying to impress,” Tazi advises. “Even during casual office conversations, you can anticipate tasks before they’re formally assigned.”

The impact you make and the impression you leave on those around you is highly informed by the attitude you show up with every day. “Remember that every task is an opportunity to learn and demonstrate commitment,” says Fernando.

“Ask questions, seek feedback, listen carefully, and be honest when you don’t understand something. Ultimately, consistency, curiosity, and kindness are what stay with people long after the internship ends.”

From Art Internship to Career

Internships offer a rare opportunity to observe how the art world operates from the inside. This is where you’ll learn how decisions are made, how teams collaborate, and what your strengths are. Exposure to day‑to‑day workflows, responsibilities, and environments can help you make more informed choices about future roles or study paths.

Once your internship comes to an end, make sure to stay in touch with your colleagues. The relationships you form during your internship are one of the most valuable takeaways from experiences like these.

Remember, the more relationships you form, the more chances there are that someone will recommend you for what might be your dream role!

Key Takeaways from Our Art Internship Guide

  • Do your research — knowing the organization helps you stand out.
  • Curate your story — highlight relevant and transferable skills.
  • Network naturally — real conversations matter most.
  • Treat interviews as conversations — curiosity builds connection.
  • Show up consistently — reliability and care leave lasting impressions.