Shankar started his career in local government and over the past 20 years has accumulated experiences in Youth Services, Housing, Public Health, Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs across Victoria, Western Australia, the Northern Territory and the ACT.

In one capacity or another, he has worked for Oxfam Australia, National Heart Foundation, Amnesty International and the Red Cross. Shankar has been an adviser to State and Territory members of parliament (including members of Cabinet). 

His appointments have also included sessional teaching at Charles Darwin, Monash, UNSW and Deakin universities.

Shankar is a Commissioner for Multicultural Affairs in the State of Victoria and the Deputy Chair of the Migrant Workers Centre.

Shankar is an accredited Mental Health First Aid trainer, has worked extensively as a mental health support worker with migrant, refugee and first nations communities and is currently completing a Diploma in Counselling.