Kevin Cameron sits down with Colleen DiFabio, founder of BI3 Careers, to unpack the realities of consulting, what it takes to make the jump, and why AI on your resume is no longer optional. With 25 years in tech staffing, Colleen brings sharp, grounded advice for anyone navigating career transition. One standout line: “Staffing is filling a rack. Consulting is solving a problem.”
They also dig into BI3’s Rising Star programme, placing early career talent into companies that need AI-fluent new grads.
Key Takeaways
The consulting vs full-time decision is cultural, not just financial. Know what environment you thrive in before you commit.
AI fluency is now baseline. If it’s not on your LinkedIn or resume, hiring managers assume you’re avoiding it.
The fastest way to get smart with AI is to use it. One of Colleen’s consultants spent 24 hours straight using it and now leads AI strategy for clients.
Recruiters want business outcomes, not just tool names. Can you describe a workflow you improved? That’s the question.
Rising Star screening goes beyond grades. Emotional intelligence and scenario-based questions determine fit.
Episode Highlights
BI3 Careers’ three pillars: consulting, IT staffing, and the Rising Star early career placement arm launched in July.
Candid advice on consulting: higher reward, lower risk for both sides, but not the right fit for everyone.
The AI resume conversation every job seeker needs to hear. Not mentioning it is now a red flag.
Why Colleen asks AI scenario questions in every interview and what a great answer looks like.
The story of a recent grad who went from NASA internships to leading an AI strategy team of seven.
Timestamps
00:00 Intro
01:00 What is BI3 Careers?
03:15 The Rising Star programme
05:00 Should you consult after a layoff?
08:00 Navigating consulting without burning bridges
14:00 How Colleen built long-term client trust
17:00 How AI is changing who gets hired
23:00 Why AI has to be on your resume
25:40 Rising Star screening and what clients want
29:00 What Colleen wishes clients and candidates knew
31:30 Colleen’s why
Connect With Colleen DiFabio
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-difabio-3886b93/
Website: www.bi3careers.com
Email: colleen.defabio@bi3careers.com
Mondays: Career Connect Conversations open to anyone who needs direction.
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Website: www.talent-connect.net
LinkedIn: Talent-Connect
Kevin’s LinkedIn: Kevin Cameron PCC
Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/
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