Summer Internship: Top BB (not GS) Trading desk VS Squarepoint QR
Hey everybody, not going to waste your time: I got the two offers and I am really lost. In favour of the Top BB Trading desk : I will 100% get a return offer (explicitly told by the MD last round except rare case, I am the only intern at the desk) and I will start as an Aso 1 (worth to note, as I am a master Student). Against that, I have a Squarepoint QR offer, getting full time might be more challenging. In terms of total comp, the first two years are I think kind of similar as you start Aso 1 at the BB, but starting 3rd year, Squarepoint starts hitting you with serious money. I know the job isn't the same, but I was just asking in case there were an easy answer? I have more of a research background, went very lately into finance, so I am not familiar with every notion!
Thank you guys!
A learning monkey!
what trading desk? And is this for Summer 2026 I'm assuming? If you land the QR role the upside is pretty big tbh.
I don't know how big of a name Squarepoint is like its not Citadel
Equity derivatives exo
yes for summer 2026! thank you for your help
also what master's program?
Math Top US school
id do bb trading
why so?
Depends on the products but as long as ir not french nor us citizen Id go with Top BB. SP not really worth enough to decline BB asso offer.
Which products r u into?
product at SP? don't know yet. Product at the BB ? EQD exo. I am actually French does it change anything? Thank you for your answer!
Being french changes a lot. Being french in that firm puts you in a great advantage..just read through the forums here or Reddit r/Quant.
It depends on what you want to do. If you want to actively take risk and trade then EQD EXO would be much better, and as ur Aso1, you'd be exposed to the real trading quick. SQP is more like centralized firm. The bonus for QR won't be formulaic rather discretionary. However if you enjoy the research part more, then take SP.
Also, don't be misleaded by this college Students "Buy side > Sell Side" gig, There are many buy side firms that are not worth it to take down top trading seats in BB. SP is at the tricky point where it all comes down to ur preference. EQD EXO in Top BB would definitely open doors for you in Equity VOL pods in many great HFs.
Square point 100%
also being very new to the business I wonder: When you're a trader at a BB, I feel like there is a lot of evolution in the job but when you're a QR at a HF, don't u just stay a QR until you are bored of it?
Chill it’s all b-tier anyways. More seriously, I think there’s several things to think about:1/ You need to meet the people you will be working with. I believe gut feeling on a 45min intense convo w. PM/MD goes a long way when making your choice. If you hesitate, ask for a 20min convo w. an analyst.2/ What’s the job security at SP ? My understanding is that in terms of security, SP falls somewhat between BBs and Pod shops.3/ High six digits/low seven digits outcome in the medium term is highly more likely at SP4/ Exit ops not that different and content of work will be more aligned with what you want if you show you can provide value doing what you like5/ Brand probably stronger at BB
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