Strong growth in Sotheby’s Institute MA work placement elective reflects rising demand for experiential integrated learning.
The 2024 MA work placement elective has seen a robust increase in demand, with over 60 students across all programmes participating in work placements with leading creative industry partners across the art and luxury business sectors – a 35% increase on 2023.
“Meeting students’ need for hands-on, skills-enhancing work experience is a top priority for the Institute’s Careers Services. Given the time commitment and financial investment of a master’s, we recognise the immense benefits of integrating experiential learning with academic studies to enhance a student’s educational journey and future employability.” Diana Ewer, Head of Careers Services, Sotheby’s Institute of Art-London
In 2024, Careers London pioneered a new approach, surveying student needs in advance to deliver bespoke opportunities across a wider range of placements: from blue-chip art galleries, art fairs, auction houses, art institutions and art logistics companies, to art tech start-ups, art advisors and luxury businesses such as fashion houses and private members’ clubs.
The strong uptake in 2024 speaks to the Institute’s deep relationships within the art and luxury sectors as well as the invaluable role of an alumni network that is integral to the elective’s ongoing success, with over 30% hosting students and several working as placement mentors. 100% of our surveyed placement providers have opted in again for 2025.
Three Reasons Work Placements During MA Studies Could Prove to Be a Game Changer
1. Building Connections and Credibility
Participating in a work placement enables students to establish industry connections and credibility beyond the classroom. It empowers them to network on their own terms during their studies and beyond.
In Their Own Words
“It was an absolute pleasure to work at Matt Carey-Williams. As an Art Business student, it was insightful to see the intricacies of working at an exciting, dynamic establishment. I was given a plethora of responsibilities, further accelerating my learning and understanding of the art industry. To have Matt and Fergus as my two mentors was a privilege and provided me with wisdom and future confidence in my career. I undertook the placement with specific goals and expectations in mind – my experience certainly surpassed them.” Gianluca Arrigoni, 2024 MA Art Business student on work placement with alumnus, Matt Carey-Williams.
Image: Robert Skigin completing his work placement at Sigmar, with alumnus Kurt Kovacs Braidley.
2. Enhancing Employability
In the art and luxury worlds, employability is about much more than just having a master’s degree from a top institution, it's about demonstrating adaptability, practical insights, and the ability to navigate real-world work-related challenges. A placement enhances a student’s employability and helps them build confidence in the workplace.
In Their Own Words
“When a CV comes across my desk and the applicant has participated in the work placement whilst studying at Sotheby’s Institute, I’ll ask my hiring manager to take a closer look. We recognise an industry standard in those who opt in and make the most of this work placement opportunity. Crucially for us, they come with proven experience and drive to succeed.” Hobby Limon, Founder and Director of TAG Fine Arts, 2024 MA work placement provider.
Image: Regan Oberting completing her work placement at TAG Fine Arts. Pictured with Yasmin Wild, Gallery Manager, business owned by Hobby Limon.
3. Personal and Professional Growth
A work placement is a time for significant personal and professional growth to help students become an arts or luxury professional ready to make the most of the opportunities within creative industries on graduation.
In Their Own Words
“This work placement opportunity at Fenwick has been instrumental in my personal and professional growth, offering valuable insights into Buying & Merchandising in F&B as well as the luxury retail sector. By attending supplier meetings, visiting trade shows and food fairs, travelling to different Fenwick stores, and conducting a comparative analysis alongside working on own label products, I have gained valuable experience. The knowledge and skills gained during this placement have laid a strong foundation for my future career, and I am very grateful to have had the experience to work alongside such a wonderful team.” Karla Akpinar, 2024 MA Luxury Business student on work placement with Fenwick.
Opting for the MA work placement elective is a strategic decision during a master’s, but with the number of this year’s participants still working on extended placements, or embarking on more permanent roles within host organisations, participation is providing a competitive edge. Furthermore, the Institute’s dedication to providing blue-chip work placements, with the London Careers team partnering with an extensive range of leading arts and luxury professionals, demonstrates a clear commitment to investing in students’ career readiness.