Sotheby's Reviews

Pros

In terms of an internship, it's great. You learn a ton. If you are looking for an internship in the fine arts world, it doesn't get better than this!

Cons

I was unpaid, but most internships are. I have heard people complain about working there- low compensation and hard to move up, but I did not work there as a full time employee so I don't know that for a fact.

Advice to Senior Management

Great internship program!

Pros

Flexible, fast-paced environment!
Interesting responsibilities.

Cons

Very uncompetitive salaries. Hard to get promoted.

Pros

Great atmosphere for anyone who is into art and is intrigued by the auction system of how art and collectibles are bought and sold. Sotheby's is also a brand name that gets you recognized in the future on your resume.

Cons

The beauty of their art galleries and catalogues aside, it is still a business... and any business that has millions of dollars on the line with each auction puts a decent amount of pressure on the people that have to do the gruntwork to make it happen. Also, many department heads act like they're royalty because of their connections and are difficult to deal with, but again that's part of the art world and should be expected.

Advice to Senior Management

Find more ways to increase the amount that low to mid level employees can enjoy the overall experience of what Sotheby's offers to the public.

Pros

Sotheby's is unlike any place you can work and the opportunities to learn and grow are outstanding. It is a must for anyone who wants to move on in the art world.

Cons

The politics and room for growth within Sotheby's can be challenging. There are few opportunities to advance within the company.

Advice to Senior Management

Make a more established career path and create more opportunities for employees.

Pros

There was good knowledge sharing.

Cons

Sometimes became overly bureaucratic and less about the art.

Advice to Senior Management

Don't be so distant. It's about the art.

Pros

As an employee you have amazing access to art and to some of the premiere specialists in the fields. My coworkers were all amazing

Cons

Opportunities for movement within the company are somewhat limited.

Advice to Senior Management

Do more to link advancements to performance as opposed to preference or pedigree.