Building the Bridge Between Students and Industry
Q&A with Consulting IQ
Diego Medone is the founder and CEO of Consulting IQ, a company offering AI-human hybrid consulting. Their digital ecosystem provides an all-in-one platform to help small and medium-sized businesses grow. Here, Medone provides insights from a leading voice and user of AI tools. Though authorship of these responses belongs to Medone, he curated them for grammar using AI—an ethical use for this tool that leaders in industry are utilizing as a cost-effective time-saver.
1. Thinking in terms of new talent fresh out of college/trade schools, what skills are most important
to your clients?
At Consulting IQ, we work with thousands of businesses globally, and the answer is clear: Critical thinking, adaptability, and data fluency have become non-negotiable. Technical skills can be trained, but the ability to interpret information, solve complex problems, and make decisions in real-time is what truly sets talent apart. We live in a world where AI and humans must collaborate seamlessly—our clients are not just hiring for what you know, but for how quickly you can learn and apply in fast-changing environments.
2. As an industry consultant, what do you see as the greatest gap to fill between current employees and the needs of your clients?
The most significant gap we see is what I call the “insight-action chasm.” Many professionals are drowning in data but starving for actionable insight. That’s precisely the problem Consulting IQ solves—we help bridge this gap with AI-powered tools that empower teams to make smarter, faster decisions. But technology alone isn’t enough. Employees need business acumen, a cross-functional understanding, and the courage to take action. We need to
turn information into transformation.
3. Are there any skills regarding generative AI that you see as crucial to the current job market?
Absolutely. Generative AI is not a futuristic concept anymore—it’s today’s toolbox. Skills such as prompt engineering, AI oversight, and ethical decision-making regarding AI use are becoming increasingly vital across various roles. At Consulting IQ, we train and guide businesses to utilize AI strategically—not just as automation but as a form of augmentation. Those who understand how to collaborate with AI will outperform those who compete against it.
4. What advice would you give high school graduates on how to best utilize college to pursue a career in technology?
College should be more than lectures—it should be your launchpad for relevance. Learn to code, yes. But also learn to think like an entrepreneur, collaborate across disciplines, and lead projects that solve real-world problems. Get your hands dirty. Find internships, participate in open-source projects, and stay curious. The world doesn’t reward the best memorizer—it rewards the boldest learner.
5. What do you think colleges/universities need to do to adapt to today’s job market?
Universities need to stop preparing students for yesterday’s world. They must embed industry relevance, AI literacy, and entrepreneurial thinking across every curriculum. At Consulting IQ, we’re building bridges between academia and industry, so education doesn’t end in the classroom; it evolves in real time with the marketplace. Imagine students graduating not just with degrees but with strategic foresight and AI-ready problem-solving skills. That’s the future.
6. What message would you have for clients skeptical about the use of AI in their industries?
I say this with clarity: AI is not coming for your job—it’s coming to transform how your job is done. Those who adopt it thoughtfully gain a competitive edge. Those who ignore it risk irrelevance. At Consulting IQ, we’ve seen clients improve profitability, agility, and decision-making by embracing AI in a personalized, strategic way. AI isn’t just for tech companies. It’s for every company that wants to survive and thrive in the new economy.
7. Same question but for students?
To students, I say: You are the AI-native generation. Use that power wisely. Don’t just scroll—build. Don’t just consume—create. The ability to harness AI tools to learn more efficiently, work more effectively, and solve problems creatively will set you apart. At Consulting IQ, we’re building a world where talent and technology grow together. If you lean in now, you won’t just enter the workforce—you’ll shape it.
