Power of the Pack: How Networking at UWG Lands Internships Share this page
The University of West Georgia is a Pack in which Wolves look out for one another. For Solve it Mediation, a firm operated primarily by UWG alumni, there was no question about hiring UWG marketing intern Gabi Smith when she connected with CEO Bobby Mehan ’09 through a connection in a local yoga class.
Smith, a mass communications major with a concentration in public relations and marketing minor, works alongside Dr. Clint Backstrom ’09 ’13, senior business analyst and mediator of Solve it Mediation, as a marketing intern. Backstrom shared what exactly the company has to offer the community.
“Solve It Mediation is Georgia’s fastest-growing full-service alternative dispute resolution (ADR) firm, redefining how conflicts are resolved,” Backstrom shared. “The firm delivers a seamless, client-centered experience through streamlined, booking-to-billing processes that place control firmly in the hands of the client.”
The UWG network runs deep within Solve It Mediation. Backstrom emphasized how the alumni connection continues to shape the firm’s growth.
“The impact of UWG’s alumni network continues to shape the firm’s success,” he said. “A recent example is the hiring of marketing intern Gabi [Smith], whose journey to Solve It Mediation began through a local alumni connection. A conversation with UWG alumni in a yoga class led to an introduction to Bobby [Mehan], CEO of Solve It Mediation, who expressed a need for a marketing intern. That single connection sparked an opportunity – demonstrating how UWG’s strong culture of networking and support creates real-world outcomes.”
When asked how her coursework prepared her for the role, Smith reflected on the direct connection between classroom learning and hands-on experience.
“I’m able to connect what I am learning in class to what I do every day,” she explained. “bluestone also played a role in preparing me for the hands-on work I do as a marketing intern. I am grateful that I was able to learn the skills I needed, and now I can put them into practice.”
As part of the team, Smith attends weekly content meetings, contributes to pitch decks and graphic creation, and collaborates closely with fellow UWG alumni. While she originally planned to pursue crisis communication, her internship has only strengthened that goal.
“Every day I get to come in and see what the nitty-gritty is like,” Smith continued. “I can see the investment this work takes; you must show up and make things happen. It is not about showing up and having things ready for you. You must have the drive to push forward and accomplish the goals you and your team have set.”
The Wolf culture at UWG is about building meaningful connections that lead to experiential learning, professional growth and opportunity. As Smith continues her internship, she is exploring a Master of Science in Digital and Social Media Communication at UWG, further strengthening the alumni network that helped launch her career.