Runzhi Gu

Graduation Year: 2019

Current Position: Product Manager, Microsoft

Education: University of Pennsylvania

"NIS helped me develop independence in my academic work and the communication skills needed to connect with people from all over the world." 

Introduction
Runzhi graduated from Nanjing International School in 2019 and has since pursued a career in tech, currently working as a Product Manager at Microsoft. After completing his studies at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn), where he double-majored in Architecture and Computer Science, Runzhi transitioned into the tech industry.  

Background at NIS
Runzhi joined NIS in the second half of Grade 5 and stayed until graduation in 2019. He recalls the community, friendships, and extracurricular activities as some of the most impactful parts of his NIS experience. "Discover China was definitely a highlight," Runzhi says, "but it was also the daily experiences and relationships I built with teachers and classmates that shaped me." He was particularly passionate about Physics and Drama, both of which helped him grow academically and personally. "Drama class taught me to communicate better and to be more confident speaking in front of others," he reflects.

Academic and Career Journey
After graduation, Runzhi attended the University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League school where he initially majored in Architecture after being drawn to design. He later switched to a double major in Computer Science, a move that aligned better with his career goals. Runzhi started his professional career with a focus on tech, and after interning in various fields – including UX design and software engineering – he found his niche in product management. Currently, he works at Microsoft, managing a small but dynamic team developing Microsoft Project. "I enjoy the intersection of technology, design, and business that product management offers," says Runzhi.

Connection to NIS Mission
Runzhi credits his time at NIS with giving him the independence to tackle academic challenges and the cultural awareness to communicate effectively across diverse backgrounds. "NIS prepared me for the real world, not just academically but also socially. It helped me build connections and bridge cultural differences, which has been essential in my personal and professional life," he explains. The environment at NIS, where students are encouraged to engage with each other and explore their interests, gave him the freedom to find his passion and career path.

Fun Fact

• Despite his busy career, Runzhi maintains close ties with his NIS friends, often meeting up with former classmates like Lucas and Winston in the US.