Sofoklis Melissovas

“I’m a curious person, always open to long debates about anything and everything.”

McKinsey Office: Miami

Hometown: Ioannina, Greece

MBA Program and Concentration: Harvard Business School

Undergraduate School, Major: National Technical University of Athens, Civil Engineering

What was your favorite thing about your MBA program? What I loved most about Harvard was the intellectually stimulating environment. It was mandatory to attend all classes, and for the first year, you are with the same group of people every day. The cases are designed in such a way that there’s no clear right or wrong answer; it’s all about the debate. This setup was very interesting because it really evaluates how you engage with different perspectives.

Can you describe your proudest pre-McKinsey accomplishment? Before joining McKinsey, my proudest accomplishment was ensuring safety in drilling operations in the North Sea. Over three years, managing 100 people working around the clock, we had no recordable injuries under my supervision, which was a result of meticulous planning and constant vigilance.

Why did you choose McKinsey over other consulting firms or other industries? I chose McKinsey because the recruitment process felt more aligned with my personal style compared to other firms. The way McKinsey assesses candidates was very thoughtful and structured, which really resonated with me.

What are three words that describe working at McKinsey? Stimulating, intense, and rewarding.

What were you most excited about when you accepted your full-time offer? What is something you didn’t know to be excited about then, but you are now? Being around very smart people at a whiteboard and really going into details and solving problems. That is, for me, the most interesting and the most stimulating part of the day.

Who at the firm has been the most impactful mentor to you and why? In my last engagement, Georgiy Volevach, an engagement manager, mentored me on problem-solving. He taught me the importance of presenting progress and seeking input effectively. He explained how this approach had worked for him and encouraged me to try it. I did, and it was successful. These little moments of mentorship at McKinsey significantly enhanced my communication skills.

If you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of advice during the interview process, what would you say? I would advise focusing less on the number of practice cases and more on developing a solid problem-solving process. It’s not about how many cases you do, but how well you understand and apply the problem-solving framework.

In what area(s) do you have considerable knowledge or expertise? My expertise lies in the energy sector. I’ve worked extensively in both traditional and renewable energy, which has given me a broad perspective on the challenges and opportunities within the industry.

Tell us about an “only at McKinsey” moment you’ve had so far: An “only at McKinsey” moment for me was when I was unexpectedly asked to fly to Argentina for a project because my specific background was the perfect match for the client’s needs. It was an exciting opportunity that illustrates McKinsey’s commitment to delivering the best for their clients.

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