ELIZA CUDDY ’10
VP, Portfolio Manager, Head of North America SFS
Sotheby’s
New York City, New York
WFU Class of 2010
Major: Art History, Economics
DeacLink: What did you study at Wake? What year did you graduate?
Eliza Cuddy: I was a double major in Art History and Economics and graduated in 2010.
DL: Please walk me through your path from graduation day to your current job.
EC: I was hired in May of 2010 as an intern at David Zwirner Gallery in New York City. For the months of summer, I did general intern/gallery assisting and then in September of 2010 I was hired to assist one of their artist’s John McCracken who had recently relocated to Manhattan. In early 2011, I left David Zwirner to become gallery manager at Luhring Augustine Gallery also located in Chelsea, Manhattan. There I was introduced to many collectors, advisors, artists and art experts. I helped to manage inventory, set up exhibitions, and built client relationships. I worked there until January 2012 when I was rehired by Zwirner as David Zwirner’s second assistant. I did this interesting yet challenging job for about a year and decided it may not be the place/position for me. I went into Sotheby’s for an informational interview and the administrative role in Sotheby’s Financial Services sort of fell into my lap, so to speak. I had no idea Sotheby’s offered art lending and with my background of both Economics and Art, I was thrilled to embark on something that peaked both of my interests. I have been working at Sotheby’s for over 7 years now and am currently the head of the North and South America Portfolios for Sotheby’s Financial Services.
DL: How much did your studies and general experience at Wake inform or drive your career path?
EC: Clearly my studies informed my career path directly! I have always been interested in the art market, it’s players, and how it reacts and/or is connected to the general economy. My first love was always art, and being from the NYC area I think I always knew the goal was to come back here and work. My experience at Wake made me believe it was possible.
DL: How did you find and apply to the various positions you’ve held (online, inside reference/rec, networking in person, WFU resources, other)? Tips and suggestions for the student audience on networking, interviewing and applying for jobs.
EC: All the ways! I have done my fair share of online applications (NYFA.org is wonderful), Linked In reach outs, etc. but truly the most successful way to get your foot in the door for a job is your network. Making connections and networking sounds cliché but there’s a reason people encourage it, it works.
DL: What could Wake have done better to prepare students for life after graduation?
EC: Wake has an extremely strong network of alumni in the arts and I was completely unaware of this until I got to NY. Wake should also emphasize more career opportunities in the arts. I felt very much like academia whether at a university or a museum was the most highlighted career path as an Art History student.
DL: What is your favorite part of living and working in New York? What is the most interesting thing going on in the art scene there at the moment, in your opinion?
EC: So many things! The access to the best art, the best food, the best drinks, the best minds…it’s truly a magnificent place to live that challenges you every day – in the best of ways.
DL: What is your favorite part about working for Sotheby’s? (Can include perks, specific experiences or anecdotes from the job)
EC: Sotheby’s truly feels like a family. I have friends there that attended my wedding and my baby shower and will be true close friends for a long long time. The people there are not only the most intelligent, but the most hardworking and passionate group. Truly.
DL: What and where is next for you?
EC: I’m hoping to be at Sotheby’s for a long time. Though I wouldn’t mind if they transferred me to the London office…!
DL: Kernel of advice you’d like to impart to the readers.
EC: Don’t give up. Some day it will click, and the right career path will present itself. There are many opportunities in the art world, and it takes a few years under your belt to figure out exactly what you may want out of it while also giving back.