Inside the London Work Placement Elective: Student Perspectives

Emily Magda, Art Explora UK

Before: Starting Point and Ambition

Leading up to the start of my placement, I found myself overcome with gratitude and relief. Art Explora UK had been my top choice from the beginning, despite a less-than-straightforward application journey.

More than anything, I was excited by the opportunity to contribute to a major European cultural award run by an international charity whose values—community engagement and expanded access to the arts—deeply resonate with my own.

Having secured the placement alongside another Sotheby’s Institute of Art student, I was curious to see how our distinct strengths would be used to support the operations of the Académie des Beaux-Arts European Award.

Professionally, I aimed to refine my skills in cross-cultural communication and digital research. Personally, I was eager to expand my network within the arts nonprofit sector, reflecting my growing interest in art as a form of cultural diplomacy.

During: Learning Through Practice

Having previously worked in Learning and Engagement at a US museum—the Birmingham Museum of Art in Birmingham, Alabama—I was struck by how different the UK working environment felt.

Collaborating regularly with the French team at Art Explora also provided valuable insight into navigating cultural differences and managing projects across national borders.

My placement at Art Explora UK centered on meaningful research and outreach tasks aimed at expanding the reach of the Award. I was particularly encouraged by how receptive both teams were to suggestions for logistical improvements.

The role offered more flexibility than I initially expected, and the trust placed in me by my supervisor strengthened my sense of identity as an arts professional.

With a strong degree of autonomy in my assignments, I was able to develop both technical and interpersonal skills—improving my proficiency in Microsoft Excel while deepening professional relationships with colleagues across the organization.

After: Reflection and Direction

Approaching the placement with an active and open mindset, I made a conscious effort to engage with every opportunity and challenge. In doing so, I gained a clearer understanding of my strengths, weaknesses, and long-term aspirations.

This experience has helped clarify where I see myself within the art world—where my skills can contribute meaningfully and where there is room for growth.

Through both the placement and the accompanying MA Work Placement academic components, I came to appreciate the importance of framing. For example, my inclination toward creative problem-solving and outreach coordination could translate into roles in client relations at an auction house, development at a major museum, or project management within a cultural agency.

Ultimately, this experience has expanded the range of possibilities for my future, while helping me better understand where my interests, abilities, and opportunities intersect.

I am pleased to share that, as a result of the work placement, I have secured a temporary position with Art Explora UK. I look forward to continuing my contributions to the European Award and to the organization more broadly.

Xenia Chudinova, Lyon & Turnbull

Before: Exploring the Path Ahead

Prior to starting my placement at Lyon & Turnbull, I was not entirely sure where I fit within the commercial art world.

Since taking Sotheby’s Institute of Art short courses in high school, I had been curious about what it meant to work within the unique and often ephemeral environment of an auction house.

The prospect of working with objects that may have remained in private collections for years before suddenly re-entering the public sphere was particularly exciting to me.

I expected the experience to be demanding, fast-paced, and high-stakes, requiring both stamina and adaptability. More personally, I hoped the placement would test whether my eclectic academic and professional background was an asset within a real-world auction house environment, or whether a more specialized path was expected.

During: Immersion and Experience

From the first week, I was entrusted with responsibilities that carried real consequences, something that, despite being told to expect it, genuinely surprised me. Whether handling high-value objects, assisting with condition reports, or supporting a major sale at the Mall Galleries, I quickly realized that professionalism was expected regardless of my status as a placement student.

What stood out most was how much the role demanded emotional intelligence alongside technical knowledge. Clients were rarely aware that I was on placement, meaning I had to approach each interaction with the same preparation, confidence, and composure as any other member of staff.

The experience confirmed the fast-paced and ever-changing nature of the auction world while also showing me that my ability to move comfortably between different departments and responsibilities was a genuine strength.

It also reinforced that my eclectic background in both design and art history was an asset, allowing me to engage with a wide range of objects, specialists, and ways of thinking.

After: Defining Direction

I came away from the placement with a much deeper appreciation for the auction world and the many people who contribute to it. I discovered a particular enjoyment in the combination of object handling, marketing, and client-facing work, as well as in the conversations and shared curiosity that surround works of art and design.

What surprised me most was how supportive and collaborative the environment was; there always seemed to be someone willing to share their knowledge or offer guidance.

The experience confirmed that this is an industry in which I would like to continue building my career, while also reinforcing the value of the research, analytical, and object-based skills I have developed throughout my MA. It has given me a clearer sense of where I can contribute within the art world and greater confidence in pursuing that path.