Roel van den Berk
Operations Manager
Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi - UAE
Featured in "World Waterpark Magazine," July/August 2016
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I studied leisure management, which included a two year specialization in theme park management at the NHTV Breda, The Netherlands, University of Applied Sciences. During this course, I completed an internship at Walt Disney World Resort, working as a lifeguard and attraction operator at Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. In 2010, I was part of the Guest Services team at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. In 2012, I was appointed as Assistant Manager of Operations at Yas Waterworld as part of the pre-opening team, where I was later promoted to Operations Manager.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
I currently hold an Ellis & Associates ILTP Instructor license.
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
I personally have received three leadership awards during my time at Farah Experiences. I am proud to be part of the team at Yas Waterworld that has received two Jeff Ellis & Associates Gold International Safety Awards in 2014 and 2015.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
I have always loved the leisure industry, but I became seriously hooked on it during my internship at Walt Disney World Resort. It was during this time I realized how much of an impact each individual can have on guest experience when working in a guest facing role in a leisure facility.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
My favorite thing about working in the waterpark industry is that wherever you go in the world, the people in the industry are always very welcoming and willing to explain to you everything about their facility and career.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
The person that has inspired me is Mr. Pieter Cornelis. Pieter was my lecturer during my degree in leisure management and it was he who pushed me in the direction of the theme park and waterpark industry. I will always be grateful to him for encouraging me to start my career in the Middle East at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
One of the most challenging times in my career so far was also one of my most memorable and educational experiences. During the pre-opening of Yas Waterworld, I was partly responsible for getting all of the lifeguards trained to operate all of the attractions. All of this had to take place while the park was still under construction, which was an exciting but challenging job.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
What really keeps me motivated are the people I work with. Their willingness to do better each day, together with a really fun working environment. I mean I go to work with a smile every day.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
I would tell them to be ready for a fun and sometimes challenging adventure. Also, it is an industry with many opportunities which is something a lot of people don’t realize straight away.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
During my studies and work I have read several interesting books about the development of parks. One of my favorites was “Dream It, Do It” by Marty Sklar.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
At the end of the day when all of the guests have gone, but the team is still around performing their closing duties and you can look back on a successful day with them and realize how awesome our job and work environment is.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
I would no doubt still choose to work within the leisure industry, more than likely in a theme park or waterpark.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
I became properly involved with WWA in 2012 when I started my job at Yas Waterworld through reading the magazines and through colleagues that were attending the show.
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
My first language is Dutch, as I’m from the Netherlands. Also before studying for my degree in leisure management, I achieved a degree in landscaping, which has often been useful while working in the parks
.