Graduate
TL;DR
Key Takeaways
- 12-month Graduate Training Programme at Christie's.
- Gain exposure to art specialist and support departments, with tasks including cataloguing, client services, and auction coordination.
- Requires a Bachelor's degree or higher, a passion for the art world, and commercial acumen.
- Salary of £30,000 per year.
- Applications close on 31st December 2026.
About the Role
Christie’s Graduate Training Programme is a 12-month placement designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of Christie’s business, enhancing commercial awareness and developing specialist skills. Success in this programme requires a passion for the art world combined with business acumen. The programme offers exposure to both art specialist and support departments, with tasks ranging from client interaction and deal structuring to object research. Christie's aims to retain all Graduate Trainees as future business leaders.
What You'll Do
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 the condition and authenticity of items.
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.
What You'll Bring
- 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 thinking.
- 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 and team-focused; ability to build a strong cross-departmental network.
- Client service; demonstrate exceptional client management skills.
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave + 1 day Birthday leave.
- Christie’s Christmas office closure (guaranteed between 25th Dec – 2nd Jan).
- Additional 1 week’s annual leave within the year of a 5 year anniversary.
- Volunteering day.
- Donation matching of up to £500 per annum.
- Flexible Fitness Fund - £400 per year expense allowance.
- Access to world-renowned art with regular exhibitions and guided tours.
- Discretionary Bonus (dependent on business and employee performance).
- Generous retirement plan: Christie’s will double match pension contributions up to 5% of basic salary.
- Private Health Insurance – no employee contribution needed, subsidised for other family members.
- Dental Insurance (may be extended at personal cost).
- Generous Income Protection Insurance.
- Competitive Life Insurance policy from first day.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Seniorcare by Lottie.
- Christie’s Extras – discounts on retailers, holiday packages, dinners and weekly shops.
- Robust family first policy including:
- 16 weeks full pay on Maternity Leave.
- Four day week, for eight weeks, at full pay on return from Maternity Leave.
- Dependent back-up care: 10 sessions/days of childcare or eldercare per year.
- The Stork Club community.
Christie’s reserves the right to change company benefits at any time.
