Oakland University alumna Karen Workman has always been passionate about learning and pursuing her dreams. This might explain how she recently found herself working at the New York Times.

“I don’t really have a typical day at work,” Workman said. “We watch the news, and our team does a rotation of who does what. Each of the staffers has one or multiple desks that they work with to get involved in the story planning and identifying audience.”

Workman is now a social media staff editor for The Times. At her job, she works with other editors and staff to get the stories out on different social media platforms. She and the other social media editors also work together to brainstorm different storytelling approaches. There is never really an end to the amount of news that comes and goes.

“Right now, I like how much I learn,” Workman said. “I learn from great journalists and from the newsroom as well. I learn from designers and developers and producers, too.

“I get to be surrounded by really smart people, and there are so many ways that can help you as a journalist,” she said.

Workman graduated from Oakland with her bachelor’s in journalism and concentration in political sciences. During her time at Oakland, she was very active in the campus news.

Workman has also worked for The Oakland Press. She started out as an editorial assistant and worked her way up to a reporting position. Before long, Workman was the organization’s Community Engagement Editor.

“Karen is one of those can-do people who is curious about all things,” said Garry Gilbert, director of the journalism department at Oakland University. “She made herself an expert in storytelling through social media. When the chance came to take her talents to New York City from rural Oakland County, she jumped.

“The New York Times is fortunate to have her.” 

Because of her curiosity and hunger for knowledge, Workman has learned some valuable life lessons while living her life as a journalist.

“I think it’s important to be open-minded about where your career and life takes you,” she said. “Be open with the twists and turns. I always want to make sure I am learning and growing as much as I can to be a better person and make great stories.”