Macquarie Gas Trading Summer vs JPM Trading & Structuring Summer

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some key points to consider for your decision:

Macquarie Gas Trading Summer:

• Focus on Energy Derivatives: Macquarie's Gas Trading desk is likely to involve significant work with energy derivatives. This area has been performing well, but it also involves long hours.
• STEM Background Preference: The desk tends to prefer candidates with STEM backgrounds, which aligns well with your Math major and programming skills.
• Python Usage: Basic Python knowledge is expected and will be used, which suits your strong programming skills.

JPM Trading & Structuring Summer:

• Desk Flexibility: At JPM, you will have the opportunity to interview for your chosen desk at the beginning of 2025, giving you flexibility to find a desk that best matches your interests and skills.
• Strong Desks in Credit, Rates, and FX: JPM is known for its strong desks in credit, rates, and FX, which could provide a broad range of experiences and opportunities.
• Quantitative Skills: Your strong programming skills and math background will be valuable, especially if you land on a quantitative desk.

Considerations for Hedge Fund or Prop Shop Career:

• Quantitative Skills: Both roles will benefit from your quantitative skills, but JPM's broader range of desks might offer more opportunities to develop skills directly relevant to hedge funds or prop shops.
• Networking and Reputation: JPM's reputation and extensive network could provide more leverage when transitioning to a hedge fund or prop shop.

Recommendation:

Given your goal to end up at a hedge fund or prop shop, and considering your strong programming and quantitative skills, JPM Trading & Structuring Summer might be the better choice. The flexibility to choose your desk and the strong reputation of JPM in various trading areas could provide a more versatile and advantageous platform for your future career aspirations.

Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/trading/what-are-the-top-volatility-trading-desks-at-jpm-gs-and-what-differentiates-them?customgpt=1, Best internships for Quant Trading?, A Response to "Which desk is best?" Type Questions... Please Read Before Posting, BAML Front-office quant vs Prop Shop Trading, JP Morgan Markets 2020 Summer Desk Placement