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Seven Questions with... David Zuo

17 March 2023

This week we meet UCL alumnus David, who has worked as a product manager on Fall Guys and was recently named in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in Sports & Games. Here, he chats to us about his time at UCL and shares his favourite bubble tea spot.

David Zuo

What are you studying, why are you interested in this subject and what do you plan to do in the future?

I studied MSc Information Science (this degree is now called MSc Knowledge, Information and Data Science) and am currently working in gaming! The way that information is used and communicated to the world is pretty fascinating. Being able to analyse data, understand trends and apply these learnings is invaluable in all areas of business and plays an essential role in my day-to-day life as a product manager too. 

What is the most interesting thing you’ve done, seen or got involved with while at UCL?

One of the most memorable events I attended was this UCL event featuring the then General Manager of Snapchat, Ed Couchman, who came to talk about the ephemeral content trend and Snapchat dominating competitors at the time.

This was subsequently followed by the boom of Instagram (and Facebook) Stories and, later on, the emergence of BeReal and TikTok’s Now feature. It’s a pretty cool reminder that after witnessing industry trends at UCL, we can go on to help shape these in our professional careers!

Have you discovered any hidden gems during your time at UCL?

There’s this one vending machine in the Student Centre that sells ‘Eight Treasure Soup’ (八宝粥). That’s like eight hidden gems in one can of soup. Wow. Great memories at the Student Centre.

Give us your top three things to do/see/go to in London:

  • Milksha – for all your bubble tea cravings.
  • DNA VR – the Ubisoft Escape Room, the Lost Pyramid one especially.
  • Meet Fresh – my favourite desserts!

Yes, I do have a sweet tooth.

What’s one thing you’d like to see in a post-Covid world?

Efficient and accommodating hybrid working (and studying) solutions. We all feel the pros and cons and it only becomes more pronounced once you start working. I do, however, believe that there are so many nuances, types of work and team dynamics that the best solution is always a tailored one.

Who inspires you and why?

Everyone in my life. I learn so much from all my friends, family and people who are and have been in my life every day and, frankly, I wouldn’t be me without that constant inspiration and positive energy from them. Interested in the same things I am/want to be friends? Hit me up on LinkedIn or Instagram @Davzuo.

What would it surprise people to know about you?

My surname is Chinese, 左 – zuŏ, which means ‘Left’. I’m also left handed!

Another fun fact: I’m the direct descendent of a Chinese general called General Zuo, who has a North American Chinese dish named after him: ‘General Zuo’s Chicken’.