Pedro Almeida, Associate Director of International team, officially joined WTW on January 1, 2000, following a nine-month internship. Pedro has built a career that has taken him across the globe—from Portugal to the United States, Uruguay, Belgium, and back home. Through it all, he has embraced every challenge with humor, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to his colleagues.
Pedro first discovered WTW while studying Applied Mathematics to Actuarial Sciences at Nova University of Lisbon. “Back then, WTW in Portugal was a small company, with about 20 people. It was a close-knit team, and that sense of community made the experience truly special” he recalls. That early camaraderie laid the foundation for his long-term commitment to the company.
Learn more about our Early Career Programs at WTW.
WTW's support in different countries
His career has taken him across multiple countries, providing him with a wealth of experiences. “I spent 9.5 years in the United States, working with the International Team. After that, I moved to Uruguay for 3.5 years with the Retirement Team, and then spent one year in Belgium. Each country brought its own challenges and learning experiences.”
Among those challenges, Pedro highlights dealing with homesickness as one of the toughest. “The biggest challenge was being far from home. However, I always viewed my time abroad as a temporary journey and a learning opportunity. Adapting to different cultures and work environments was also challenging, but it significantly contributed to my personal and professional growth. I learned to be flexible and open-minded, which helped me overcome these obstacles.”
Throughout his international experiences, Pedro always found support at WTW. “The biggest difference at WTW is the people. I’ve always worked with highly competent and humane colleagues. The friendships and support from my teams made all the difference. Even when I was far from home, I felt supported and connected, which helped me adapt and thrive.”
Of course, a career spanning 25 years comes with its fair share of funny moments. “One of the funniest moments was when, just a week after arriving in New York for my first international experience as a junior, I accidentally sent an instant message to the leader of the International team, thinking I was messaging a peer colleague—without knowing he was the leader and having never met or spoken with him—asking where to find a cheap haircut. Later, when we met in Chicago for the annual international team meeting, he joked about it, saying he liked my haircut. It was a light-hearted moment that I'll never forget, just fresh in the USA.”
See stories from other Portuguese colleagues - check Nuno Arruda’s story at our blog.
Why friendship defines Pedro's journey
If he had to define his journey at WTW in one word, Pedro doesn’t hesitate: Friendship. “The connections I’ve made over the years are the most valuable things I take from my journey. These friendships have been the foundation of my experience at WTW, making every challenge worthwhile.”
For those looking to start a career at WTW, Pedro’s advice is simple yet powerful:
“Find something you truly enjoy doing. The secret is to find passion in your work. At WTW, there are many areas to explore. You need to be open to new experiences and actively seek what motivates you.”
Reflecting on his journey, Pedro emphasizes the importance of maintaining WTW’s strong culture.
“WTW has always been an excellent school. The work environment is full of incredible people with vast experience. The biggest challenge now is ensuring that this strong culture remains and that there is more connection between teams so that more talent can grow within the company.”
Join WTW Today
Pedro’s 25-year journey at WTW is a testament to the power of friendship, ambition, and resilience. From an Early Career professional to Associate Director of AGS International, his story shows what’s possible when opportunity meets passion.
If you’re looking for a workplace where you can grow, innovate, and build meaningful connections, WTW is the place to do it. Check out our latest jobs open at WTW and join us today.
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