Virgil Munteanu: Founder and Lead Advisor

Virgil Munteanu

BA Philosophy, 2023

Based in:

Bucharest, Romania

First job:

Junior Post-War and Contemporary Art Specialist, Artmark Auction House.

Strangest interview question:

Those types of "tell us about a time when you were required to overcome a challenge..." questions always get me.

Ambitions for the future:

Continue working in the art world as a consultant, potentially start my own gallery, and continue my work in education and languages.

Self-employed, Founder and Lead Advisor for Opera Art Advisory & Collective.

Describe your current role and what attracted you to it.

I wanted to start my own art consultancy business – the first 100% independent of its kind in Romania – and contribute positively to Eastern Europe's art world.

What’s your favourite part of your role?

Being able to work remotely and independently, and set my own projects and tasks.

What are the key skills you learnt at Warwick that have helped you with your career to date?

Critical thinking, analysis, and textual abilities - all courtesy of my training in philosophy.

Did you have a specific career path in mind when you chose to study at Warwick?

I originally planned to enter filmmaking but decided to opt for a field which would integrate both curatorial and business-oriented practices.

What top tips do you have for Warwick graduates who would like to work in your sector?

Get experience in auction houses and galleries, and, most of all, strive to expand your network in the art world.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Waking up, language studies (currently focusing on Persian), then administrative tasks in urgent need – either for my main venture, Opera, or for my other part-time job as a mentor for Upgrade Education. I then work on projects depending on the wider timeline for Opera.

What has been your greatest career challenge to date and how did your experience and skills help overcome it?

Making money from working for myself is still something I struggle with, but I am confident that giving Opera my best effort will yield positive results in the future.

What do you know now that you wish you had known when you were applying for jobs?

Don't say you're a "student" when applying to (certain) jobs. Talking to people matters, and you always have to go first when engaging with them!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given in relation to your career?

Job applications are a two-variable process - namely, you and the employer. Strive to optimise your own contribution and leave the other to itself. Think laterally - explore courses, certifications, even languages.