She graduated from Barnard College in 1909, where she was the student correspondent for the New York Tribune, later the New York Herald Tribune,[3][1] and taught Greek courses at a high school in Methuen, Massachusetts.

[1][10] Her fictional 'Peggy' series based on her experiences as a reporter inspired many women to become journalists.

[1] Bugbee was a part of Roosevelt's inner circle of journalists in her press corps.

[11] Bugbee's tribute to Mrs. Roosevelt after her death in the New York Herald Tribune, "Mrs. Roosevelt: Portrait of a Beloved Woman," won the Newspaper Reporters Association's feature award in 1963.

[10] The club became known for its high journalistic standards, as well as its welfare committee and relief fund.