Shereen Al-Sawwaf
Graduate Trainee
About the lot
How did you find the application process?
The application process was unlike anything else I had experienced. While the first two steps of the process are fairly straightforward, the Assessment Day was intense. Though I was challenged in so many different ways, I left Assessment Day with a clearer idea of the inner workings of an auction house and an even stronger desire to be a part of the magic.
How would you describe the culture at Christie’s?
Christie’s is a company of passionate people. People love what they do, and they love sharing their passion with you. Though I had no prior experience in the art world and was incredibly nervous before starting, my colleagues quickly took me under their wing and trusted me as a valued member of their team.
Tell us what you’ve learnt so far.
The Graduate Training Program has showed me the truly expansive nature of auction house work. From learning how to price, research, catalog, write about, and ultimately sell works in a specialist department to researching market trends, working with data, and building engagement strategies in a business development department, so much goes into each lot and each sale.
What has been your highlight so far?
Nothing beats seeing your own words and research published in a catalog. However, one of my favorite events before the lead up to any auction is the “hilling session” where everyone involved in the sale convenes in the warehouse and examines a selection of pieces. Specialists often use these sessions as teaching moments on the various idiosyncrasies of a particular work, artist, or movement. I always leave a hilling session having learned something new, which is always a highlight for me.