- Location
- New York City New York USA
- Employment
- Full-Time
- Seniority
- Entry-Level
- Compensation
- $55,500/year
- Posted
- Oct 27, 2026
About Christie's
Founded in London in 1766 by James Christie, Christie’s is a leading international auction house whose heritage spans fine art, decorative arts, jewellery and exceptional collectibles. Through auctions, private sales and digital platforms, it connects collectors with remarkable objects and the expertise that brings their histories to life. As an employer, Christie’s offers career paths across specialist departments, client services, marketing, technology and operations within a global, culturally rich environment. Its work calls for intellectual curiosity, discretion and meticulous attention to detail, appealing to professionals who value scholarship, commercial acumen and the exacting standards of the international art and luxury markets.
Christie’s Graduate Training Programme is a 12-month placement designed to build commercial awareness and specialist skills through exposure to art specialist and support departments. The Graduate Trainee supports research and cataloguing, client services, auction coordination, financial administration, structured learning and cohort projects. The programme begins in September 2027.
Role & Responsibilities
- Assist with cataloguing auction items, ensuring accurate descriptions and provenance.
- Research items, including their historical context, previous ownership and market value.
- Work with specialists to verify item condition and authenticity.
- Provide client service in person and through digital platforms.
- Respond to client inquiries about auction processes, item details and bidding procedures.
- Support the client services team during auction previews and events.
- Assist with bidder registration and auction paddle management.
- Coordinate with auctioneers and other staff to support the efficient running of live and online auctions.
- Assist with payment processing and reconciliation of auction sales.
- Participate in structured learning modules and training sessions across departments.
- Take part in mentorship opportunities with senior staff and industry experts.
- Contribute to special projects and initiatives to improve auction house operations and client experience.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and efficiency.
- Present findings and recommendations to senior management.
Qualifications
- A bachelor's degree or higher, to be achieved by the start of the programme in September 2027.
- A blend of commercial or business education 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 is mandatory.
- Fluency in an additional language is preferred.
- Enthusiasm and dedication.
- Client focus and strong interpersonal qualities.
- Tech-native orientation.
- Strong interest in digital innovation.
- Collaborative, team-focused approach and ability to build a strong cross-departmental network.
- Exceptional client management skills.
Skills
Education
Bachelor's degree or higher, to be achieved by the start of the programme in September 2027; a blend of commercial or business education and art history education is preferred.
Workplace
The successful candidate will be located in New York City, New York, USA.
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Compensation
The base compensation for this position is USD 55,500 per annum.
Benefits
Medical, dental and vision plans for employees and dependents, with Christie’s paying an average of 80% of total premiums; 401(k) matching contribution up to 5%, subject to IRS limits; life insurance at three times base salary, fully paid by Christie’s; disability insurance, fully paid by Christie’s; paid family leave up to 16 weeks and other time-off and leave policies; fitness-fee and membership reimbursement up to $600 per year; annual discretionary performance bonus plan; pre-tax commuter benefits with a $21 monthly Christie’s contribution; up to 10 days of backup child or elder care through Bright Horizons; one paid CSR day per year for charity work; perks and discounts through Zo and Plum Benefits.
Culture
Christie’s workplace culture centres on specialist expertise, intellectual curiosity and a shared appreciation for art and exceptional objects, with discretion and attentive client service shaping its professional environment. Its international auction business brings together specialists and colleagues across disciplines, combining a distinguished heritage with an evolving approach to digital engagement and the global art market.
About Cerulean
Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.
Frequently Asked Questions
The luxury industry is characterised by a diverse and nuanced nomenclature. Esteemed houses frequently employ proprietary terminology, and even within a single organisation like Christie's, titles may vary across global markets to reflect local conventions. To ensure absolute clarity, Cerulean assigns a standardised, industry-coherent canonical title to every listing. However, it is worth noting that this role is functionally synonymous with «Graduate Programme Trainee», «Graduate Associate», «Graduate Business Trainee», and other variations. Our sophisticated search architecture anticipates these variations, ensuring that inquiries using related terms will seamlessly yield the exact roles you desire.