How does the Career Services team in New York support students in navigating the competitive art market?

We support students in navigating the competitive and complex art market through tailored guidance and highly personalized advising. Leveraging strong, long-standing relationships with employers, we work to connect students with the right industry professionals and ensure that their résumés reach key decision-makers.

Our program offers students unparalleled access to hiring managers and a wide range of professional opportunities across the field. Whether it’s at an art fair, a gallery, or an auction house, students have the chance to explore different career paths and strengthen their professional networks. The level of access our students receive is unique to Sotheby’s Institute programs and sets our graduates apart as they enter the art world.

With your experience in private sales, exhibition management, and executive search, how do you help students identify career opportunities that align with their strengths?

I often draw on my diverse experience in the arts to help students identify opportunities that truly align with their existing skills and career goals. We recognize that job titles in the art world are not always consistent, so I encourage students to look beyond the title and focus on the structure of the organization as a whole, as well as the responsibilities of the role. Together, we break down what each position is really about and how it aligns with the student’s strengths.

We also know that success in these roles goes beyond meeting the requirements on the job description and depends just as much on interpersonal skills and general industry knowledge. This is why I take an individualized approach with each student—recognizing their transferable skills and exploring a wide range of career paths, including some they may not have considered before coming to Sotheby’s Institute.

What advice do you give to students looking to transition from graduate studies to securing their first role in the art or luxury industry?

We encourage students to keep an open mind when getting their foot in the door. Every task, whether large or small, has value. It’s also important to remember that no career path is entirely linear, and often the jobs we think are leading us away from our career goals actually bring us closer to them.

Each experience that helps you build new skills, strengthen your résumé, and expand your network prepares you for the next step.

What skills or qualities do you find most in demand for graduates entering the art and luxury sectors today?

Many of the skills in demand today remain consistent with those that have been long valued in the art world. Employers continue to prioritize strong communication skills, and the ability to interpret information and articulate ideas clearly.

Attention to detail is equally critical, whether in handling artwork, drafting consignment agreements, or managing client correspondence. Discretion is another key quality when working with high profile clients or sensitive transactional information. Adaptability and resilience are important qualities as deadlines and client expectations can often create high pressure situations.

Finally, the ability to work effectively with a wide range of personalities including colleagues, collectors, artists, and visitors from the general public, remains indispensable.

At the same time, employers are increasingly seeking technical competencies such as digital marketing experience, social media management, and database literacy. Yet, we consistently hear from our partners that the most successful candidates are those who meet expectations for both the technical skill requirements and necessary personal qualities.

What role does networking play in securing jobs in the art and luxury industries, and how can students best approach building meaningful professional relationships?

Networking is one of the most important factors in achieving both immediate job placement and long-term career success. At Sotheby’s Institute of Art-New York, we provide numerous opportunities to build these connections, beginning with student peers who become future colleagues and professionals in the field.

Our programming includes panel discussions, mixers, and alumni networking events, as well as a spring Career Fair that brings students directly in front of senior hiring managers from leading organizations. These experiences are designed to give students direct access to the people shaping the art world today.

My advice to students is to take full advantage of these opportunities: attend every event you can, expand your network strategically, and follow up with the professionals you meet. The relationships our students build during their time at the Institute serve as the foundation of their careers for years to come.

How does the Career Services team collaborate with faculty to ensure that students receive comprehensive career guidance alongside their academic studies?

The Career Services team collaborates closely with faculty to ensure that the opportunities we provide complement classroom learning, allowing students to put theory into practice. Through our employer partnerships, we aim to offer experiences that appeal to a wide range of student interests, from sales and marketing to research, museum education, and public programs.

We support students at every stage of their studies, from weekend volunteer opportunities in the early semesters to full-time summer internships once their schedules become more flexible. Our faculty are invaluable partners in this process, offering career guidance, industry insights, and professional connections that help students take their next steps with confidence.

Many of our alumni earn promotions within their first year of employment, as the knowledge gained in the classroom translates directly into real-world skills, giving them a strong advantage in hitting the ground running and distinguishing themselves among their peers.

If you could give one piece of career advice to incoming master’s degree students, what would it be?

My advice to students is to begin their journey with an open mind. Try new paths, embrace the unexpected, and be willing to pivot as you grow. See every experience as an opportunity. Never stop networking, and take full advantage of the incredible access Sotheby’s Institute provides.

Every connection has the potential to shape your career path. Most importantly, operate with an unwavering moral compass and lead with integrity. The art world is a relationship-driven industry, and your reputation is one of your most valuable assets.