Spring 20th Century Design Internship

PRIMARY FUNCTION

FIVE MONTH INTERNSHIP – Phillips is currently seeking a highly engaged, detail-oriented, and proactive individual who is excited by the opportunity to fill a five-month, fixed-term internship in the Design department. The position will begin January 11th, 2027, and end June 11th, 2027. The deadline to apply is December 2nd, 2026 at 5pm EST.

Based in our New York Headquarters at 432 Park Avenue, the primary focus of the internship will be to gain insight into the day-to-day operations of a successful international auction house. We are seeking candidates with a specific interest in 20th and 21st century Design. Interns will have a chance to be trained in Phillips’ systems and research procedures in order to directly contribute to the department.

By assisting our team during the Fall sale season, the successful applicant will benefit from the unique opportunity for professional development through hands-on experience in the art industry. Phillips values a workforce with a wide variety of experiences, backgrounds and skills, so we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all of the qualifications.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

The intern will have the opportunity to assist the department at various stages of the auction process in the following ways:

• Maintain and monitor pre- and post-sale documents.
• Work closely with Cataloguer and Specialists on research projects related to business-getting and property for sale.
• Assist with research in NYC libraries.
• Write academic and engaging essays for the auction catalogue.
• Compile data into appraisals and proposals which assist with business-getting.
• Assist with installation, preview, and sale day related tasks.

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE 

• The ideal candidate will have a specific interest in 20th and 21st century Design. They should have excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to deal effectively and efficiently with multiple tasks while working to meet strict deadlines.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING 

• Must be a current college student seeking a bachelor’s or master’s degree or a recent graduate with a bachelor’s degree. An academic focus in the history of art and design is preferred.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• An informed interest in 20th and 21st century Design
• Comfort working in-person and over email with sale department colleagues along with senior staff and international Specialists.
• Attention to detail.
• Strong research and writing skills.
• Willingness and desire to learn and ask questions.
• Strong work ethic with effective time management. Ability to multi-task, take initiative and work well independently.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is undertaken primarily within an office environment in our New York location and offsite spaces for research such as libraries.
• The internship is 3-5 days per week from 9 am to 6 pm depending on the availability of the candidate and the needs of the department. Interns are paid at minimum wage in New York.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• The hourly pay for the role is $17.50 per hour.