You balanced full-time work with your studies. How did the flexible structure of the online program support that, and what did you gain from that dual experience?

The flexible structure of the online program allowed me to study from anywhere, which made balancing full-time work and graduate school much more manageable.

I had the option to contribute through discussion posts if I couldn’t attend a live Zoom session and I was able to stay engaged and excel in the program while maintaining my career.

Having access to coursework through Canvas, along with Outlook for communication, meant I could check in from any device at any time. That flexibility was invaluable. The dual experience also allowed me to apply what I was learning in real time.

Working at a gallery while completing the program felt like a natural fit, as I was able to connect classroom concepts directly to my day-to-day responsibilities.

It strengthened my ability to multitask and encouraged me to dive even deeper into the research I was already doing within my role and the arts district where I work.

What motivated you to choose the MA in Art Business (Online), and how did these motivations/goals evolve during the program?

I chose the MA in Art Business (Online) because of the breadth of the curriculum. Having already worked as an art consultant and registrar at an established gallery, I wanted a program that would expand my understanding of the art market and prepare me for a variety of career paths.

The degree covered such a wide range of topics that I felt it would equip me well for whatever direction I decided to pursue next.

When I started the program, I was primarily interested in a curatorial career. While that’s still something I’m passionate about, courses like Valuation, Collection Building, and International Art Markets introduced me to opportunities I hadn’t previously considered. By the end of the program, I found myself much more open to exploring different sectors of the art world.

Can you share an example of how something you learned during the program directly influenced your work in the gallery?

Several courses had an immediate impact on my work. The Finance course was especially helpful in understanding the financial side of daily gallery operations, particularly when working with incoming and outgoing inventory.

I also gained a tremendous amount of knowledge from the Valuation course, which gave me a much stronger understanding of appraisal work, while Collection Building improved my approach to writing about artwork in catalogs and other professional contexts.

My perspective completely broadened through the Art Law course. It helped me better understand the legal considerations involved not only from the gallery’s point of view but also from the perspectives of artists and prospective collectors.

Overall, the program also changed the way I approach networking. I’m much more intentional about building relationships within the art world and engaging with people across different sectors of the industry.

Which areas of the curriculum, such as valuation, curation, or negotiation, had the most immediate impact on your day-to-day role?

One of the most immediate changes was the way I communicate professionally. I would say negotiation, particularly in terms of developing the proper vocabulary and confidence to discuss artwork and the art market, had the biggest impact on my day-to-day role.

In what ways did the MA help you transition into a specialized position as an Art Consultant and Registrar?

My position as an art consultant and registrar actually came before I began my studies at Sotheby’s Institute of Art. Rather than leading me into that role, the program deepened my appreciation for it and gave me a broader perspective on the industry.

It also inspired me to engage more intentionally with the arts whenever I travel. I find myself browsing auction catalogs more casually, paying closer attention to collections, curatorial approaches, and exhibition design in museums and galleries.

Those experiences have helped me better connect the different facets of the art world and continue learning beyond the classroom.

How did engaging with an international online cohort enhance your learning experience and professional outlook?

One of the aspects that drew me to the online program was its international reach.

Being able to connect with classmates from around the world, particularly through platforms like LinkedIn, created opportunities to build relationships that I likely wouldn’t have had otherwise.

The diversity of backgrounds within the cohort encouraged deeper conversations and exposed me to different perspectives on the global art market. The faculty also broadened my understanding of different art centers around the world, giving me insight into markets and cultural perspectives I may not have encountered.

The experience even inspired me to create an art-focused Instagram account as another way to engage with the art community, share my interests, and connect with people in the field despite studying remotely.

What would you say to prospective students about the value of studying the MA in Art Business, online?

I would say one of the greatest strengths of studying this degree online is how accessible and supportive the faculty are. The professors come from incredibly diverse professional backgrounds, and their experience across so many areas of the art world makes them invaluable throughout the program.

I was also encouraged to stay engaged with the industry beyond the classroom by following major art events, auctions, and online platforms like Artnet and Artsy. It really helps you develop the habit of staying connected to what’s happening in the art world on a daily basis.

Now that you’ve completed the program, how do you see it shaping your next steps in the art world?

I sincerely hope this Master’s degree helps open the door to my next career opportunity. The current job market is incredibly competitive, especially for emerging professionals, and it can be challenging to even secure an interview.

One of the most memorable moments of the program was our commencement keynote address.

The speaker encouraged us to take risks, continue networking, advocate for ourselves, and remain curious throughout our careers. That message has stayed with me and continues to motivate me to keep learning, both within and beyond formal education, as I navigate the next stage of my career in the art world.