2027 Christie’s Graduate Training Programme

Christie's; New York (NY); On-site; USD 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Christie’s Graduate Training Programme in New York offers a 12-month placement designed to build commercial awareness and specialist skills across cataloguing, research, client services, auction coordination and financial administration.

The programme rotates through departments, provides mentorship from senior staff, and exposes participants to live and online auctions while emphasizing client experience and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Must have a Bachelor’s degree by September 2027.
• Blend of Commercial/Business and Art History preferred.
• Passion for art world and strong commercial acumen.
• Excellent communication and client-focused mindset.
• Fluent in English; another language preferred.
• Tech-native with interest in digital innovation.
• Collaborative and able to build cross-department networks.
• Enthusiasm and dedication.

Responsibilities

• Assist in cataloguing items with accurate descriptions and provenance.
• Conduct thorough research on items, including context, ownership, and market value.
• Collaborate with specialists to verify condition and authenticity.
• Provide exceptional client service in-person and online.
• Assist clients with inquiries regarding auctions, item details and bidding procedures.
• Support the client services team during previews and events.
• Assist with registration of bidders and management of auction paddles.

Skills

Communication

English fluency

Digital literacy

Teamwork

Client focus

Commercial acumen

Strategic thinking

Interpersonal skills

Art world passion

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Commercial/Business & Art History background

Job description

Summary

Christie’s Graduate Training Programme aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of Christie’s business with heightened commercial awareness and advanced specialist skills by the end of their 12 month placement. Key to success is the individual’s passion for the art world coupled with business acumen. The programme gives exposure to the workings of both the art specialist and support departments. As such, tasks are widely varied throughout the programme from meeting and greeting clients, through to deal structuring and object research. We aim to retain all our Graduate Trainees — the next generation of Christie’s business leaders.

Cataloguing and Research

• Assist in the cataloguing of auction items, ensuring accurate descriptions and provenance
• Conduct thorough research on items, including historical context, previous ownership, and market value
• Collaborate with specialists to verify condition of items and their authenticity

Client Services

• Provide exceptional customer service to clients, both in-person and via digital platforms
• Assist clients with inquiries regarding auction processes, item details, and bidding procedures
• Support the client services team during auction previews and events

Auction Coordination

• Assist with the registration of bidders and the management of auction paddles
• Coordinate with auctioneers and other staff to ensure the efficient running of live and online auctions

Financial Administration

• Assist in the processing of payments and the reconciliation of auction sales
• Rotational Learning and Development
• Participate in structured learning modules and training sessions across various departments
• Engage in mentorship opportunities with senior staff and industry experts

Cohort Project

• Contribute to special projects and initiatives aimed at improving auction house operations and client experience
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and efficiency
• Present findings and recommendations to senior management

Key Details

Compensation: $55,500 salary

Duration:12 months

Schedule: FT

Deadline:December 31, 2026

Eligibility

What you’ll bring to the team

• Bachelors degree or higher – must be achieved by the start of the programme (September 2027)
• A blend of Commercial / Business AND Art History education is preferred
• Demonstrable passion for, and interest in, the art world
• Commercial acumen and strategic thinker
• Excellent communication skills (Fluency in English mandatory)
• Fluency in an additional language is preferable
• Enthusiasm and dedication
• ‘Client focus’ and strong interpersonal qualities
• Tech native
• Strong passion for digital innovation
• Collaborative & team focused; ability to build a strong cross departmental network across the business
• Client service; demonstrate exceptional client management skills

About

Founded in 1766, Christie’s is a world-leading art and luxury business with a physical presence in nearly 50 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, Middle East, and Asia Pacific, and flagship international sales hubs in New York, London, Hong Kong, Paris and Geneva.

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Tagged as: Administration, Finance, Research