What is the Internship programme?
The programme is run for the benefit of undergraduates with a genuine interest in art, business or a career in the Art World. It aims, by allowing interns to immerse themselves in the practical operations of the company, to provide an insight into Christie’s work and its role in the Art World. The internship opportunities are available at Christie's Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai and other Regional Representative Offices in Asia and usually lasts from two to six months, depending on seasonal business operation and availability of the candidate. It does not represent a job opening.
Practical experience & objectives
Christie’s believes that experience is best gained through practical involvement in the activities of our departments. As a result Interns will be given the opportunity to participate in ways which are designed to enable them to gain an overview of each different aspect of the department’s activities.
Normal tasks allocated include:
• Administration
• Archiving
• Catalogue notes
• Research
• Managing libraries
• Helping to set up exhibitions
• Covering phones
• Specific projects
Terms and conditions
Internships are only available for full-time students, interns will be employed on a 2-6 months fixed-term temporary contract. To allow others an opportunity to gain experience we regret that Internships cannot extend beyond a total duration of 12 months. All interns are paid.
Hours
The standard hours worked by Christie's Asia are 9:30am to 6pm (Monday to Friday). Some regions may vary according to their business needs. As many of Christie's most exciting events and activities such as major sales and functions take place in the evenings and during weekends, we strongly recommend that Interns become involved in these events – if possible by taking an active role in their organization.
Dress code
Professional and business attire is expected of all Interns.
Choice of department
In Asia, Christie's usually offers Spring and Fall internships in specialist departments and selected support departments. Successful applicants will be placed in available positions according to their interests and background, which will expose them to the operations of an auction house as they perform various administrative/clerical tasks. Although we do everything in our power to place them in the department of their choice, this is not always possible due to the number of applicants and places available in those departments. Wherever individuals are placed they will gain an overall insight into Christie’s, whether it is in a specialist, business or administrative department.
Eligibility
We undertake a selection process based on formal criteria, the online application form and/or an interview.
Examples of the key criteria include:
• History of Art (or other relevant area) or business related discipline
• Some working experience would be an advantage but not a must
• Excellent Language Skills (Proficient in written and spoken English, Cantonese / Mandarin)
• Ability to demonstrate client facing experience
• Detail-minded and strong organizational skills
• Helping to set up exhibitions
• Team player and proactive
How to apply
Complete the Internship Programme Application Form online. We regret that demand for Internships usually exceeds availability of places on the scheme. We shall initiate contact with candidates whom we wish to interview. After the interviewing process, only accepted candidates will be contacted.
Working documentation
All applicants must have authorization to work in the country they are interested in doing an internship. Christie's does sponsor visas for outstanding candidates coming from abroad.