Jack Degenhart, who graduated in 2022 with a major in History of Art, moved to New York City after graduation to seek a job in the art world. He sends the below report on his career journey since graduation and what he’s up to now:

“When I first moved to New York, I worked for an event space in Chelsea, but I eventually transitioned into my current job at Phillips, an auction house with a focus on Contemporary and Modern Art. In this role, I serve as an Executive Assistant in the 20th Century & Contemporary Art Department, supporting two Senior International Specialists. During my studies at Ohio State, I favored the Medieval period and American Modernism, so being thrown into the Contemporary-based art market was unfamiliar territory for me. As it turns out, the two specialists I support focus on Modern & Impressionist works, so luckily, I’m working with art that I’ve studied. As an assistant, I am responsible for supporting the specialists at every step of the business, from the consignment process to providing hands-on support during the auctions. I conduct research and write about the artworks, but ultimately the fast-paced nature of the auction business has my attention mostly on drafting appraisals, filing bid registrations, and coordinating international shipping. The auction business stands at the crossroads of art history, client relations, and sales strategy, creating a thrilling and dynamic workplace that I have really begun to enjoy. Outside of my job, I enjoy exploring New York’s history, like the history of the MTA, writing, visiting museums, and discovering the best almond croissant in the city.”