Mission and Philosophy
Pursue IQ exists to bring clarity to a moment that often feels overwhelming. Our mission is to simplify the path forward, provide structure where there is uncertainty, and equip Pursuers with the practical tools they need to take confident and informed action.
Our Approach
Our approach is practical, structured, and rooted in real-world recruiting and coaching expertise. Pursue IQ breaks down complex tasks into manageable steps. Every part of the process is designed to decrease stress, increase clarity, and deliver tangible results
About
A note from our founder Melissa Morris
I am the daughter of a recruiter.
I grew up hearing about what companies were looking for in candidates and what candidates wanted to achieve in their next job.
“If you want to live in style, you have to sit and dial." I can still hear my dad saying those words. To me, this always meant: pursue what you want with intention and effort, and the rest will follow.
25 Years of Making Matches
I started my career working in recruiting with my dad, listening as he coached candidates through their career transitions and watching what actually worked. Those 25 years in recruiting, including a decade at Apple, taught me that the best candidates aren't just qualified; they can articulate who they are, what they want, and how they make decisions.
I learned what hiring managers look for, what makes a candidate stand out, and how to navigate the process from both sides of the table.
After 10 years at Apple, my own children entered their twenties and the job market. That is when everything changed.
Suddenly, I wasn't just a recruiter; I was a mom watching her kids pursue opportunities and face the same challenges I had helped hundreds of professionals navigate.
That's when I discovered:
Mom + Recruiter = Career Coach
Here's what surprised me: they came to me for guidance because they trusted my experience and expertise, not because I was their mom.
The result was that their transition from college to career was pursued with intention, clarity, and direction.
Since then, I've had the privilege of guiding many other young, aspiring professionals through the same process. What's missing in early career support is empathy. What's missing for parents is strategy and insight.
That combination of empathy and strategy is the foundation of Pursue IQ.
Continue scrolling to read more about why I do this work, or click below to see our programs.
Why I Do This Work
I realized I could help Pursuers move from confusion to clarity faster.
They often feel their life experiences, such as sports, retail jobs, or volunteer work, are not "good enough." They struggle to translate what they have done into viable professional skills.
I've seen what happens when they learn to articulate the value of what they've done.
When they build a LinkedIn profile that clarifies who they are professionally, create a resume that represents their value, and develop a job search strategy, it creates momentum instead of chaos.
More importantly, I've seen what happens when they build their confidence.
When they trust what they have to offer and pursue it with intention and effort, the results follow.
Through Pursue IQ, I work with both students and parents. I give parents the frameworks to support their student's journey without taking it over, so they can guide with confidence instead of anxiety.
We are excited to connect, share how we work and support this next chapter.
-Melissa