At Woodgate & Clark, the belief is that expertise is built on continuous learning and a passion for helping others. Mariska Bouwmeester’s journey exemplifies this ethos. Recently joining the team as a damage expert, Mariska brings a wealth of experience from her prior roles in risk management and claims handling.
Her path to becoming a damage expert began unexpectedly. After studying healthcare, personal circumstances led her to explore the insurance sector. It was there that Mariska’s interest in damage processes truly blossomed. She worked in various roles, including claims handler and risk officer, and even briefly considered launching her own damage expertise firm with colleagues. This desire for a deeper connection with damage expertise ultimately led Mariska to a transformative decision in 2022.
Choosing to become a damage expert, Mariska joined Woodgate & Clark, where she quickly partnered with Robert Blide, a seasoned expert in the field. Together, they manage the Hoogeveen office and handle complex brand cases, while Mariska continues to push herself toward more specialized and high-profile projects.
Her commitment to professional growth is not just limited to her day-to-day work. Mariska’s decision to pursue the NIVRE certification was driven by her dedication to quality. NIVRE, the Dutch professional body for damage experts, is recognized for its rigorous training, which provides professionals with essential communication, technical, and legal skills. Mariska believes that these aspects of the training help enhance the service we provide to clients by ensuring thorough, empathetic communication and effective problem-solving.
Mariska is also an active member of the NIVRE Start Committee, where she helps new experts navigate the profession. She is passionate about making the field more accessible, especially to women, who are still underrepresented in damage expertise. As a female expert, Mariska has found that her presence often opens doors for easier communication with clients, dispelling the traditional image of an older male expert.
Mariska’s advice to anyone considering a career in damage expertise is simple: “Start with an open mind and a willingness to learn. The industry is rich with opportunities for growth and personal development. Whether you have prior experience or not, a positive attitude and commitment to helping people will take you far.”
At Woodgate & Clark, we are proud to support professionals like Mariska, who not only excel in their roles but also actively contribute to the future of the profession. Through her work with NIVRE and her ongoing efforts to raise awareness of damage expertise, Mariska is helping to ensure that the next generation of experts is well-equipped and eager to join the field.
Read NIVRE’s article about Mariska in Dutch.
