Shanta Bhoelai was working as a veterinary technician at a local animal hospital, tending to sick and wounded pets and their anxious parents, when she started reconsidering her career choice.
“It was a really stressful job. There was a moment one morning at 2 a.m. when a man brought in an elderly monkey that was not breathing properly. The man was understandably freaking out and, when the monkey didn’t make it, he blamed us for not saving him. I was like, ‘This is not what I had in mind’,” she says.
Aside from the vet tech certificate, Shanta had a couple years’ worth of community college credits but no degree. She had always wanted to attend the U and was aware that employees were able to take classes at a discounted rate, so she started looking for customer service and administrative jobs and applied for an opening in the College of Continuing and Professional Studies (CCAPS).
“I had never heard of CCAPS before. But I love the nontraditional aspect and how it concentrates on unique students in unique situations, and how it’s for students of all ages and touches departments and colleges all over the Twin Cities campus. There’s really something for everyone,” says Shanta, who started as a learner representative in CCAPS’s Information Center in 2018.
From there, she became an enrollment assistant and earned her individualized bachelor’s degree in 2024 and has since served as the enrollment advisor for CCAPS Professional Development Programs and recently transitioned to support the Graduate Education portfolio in April 2026.
“The enrollment advisor position is designed to be not only the first point of contact a prospective learner has with the college, but also to be a comprehensive resource along their educational journey with us,” says Greg Harmon, director of enrollment management.
“Hiring Shanta into this crucial position was a no-brainer. She has consistently risen to new challenges set in front of her, and her efforts have already positively impacted thousands of students in their professional development journey with us.”
Below, Shanta describes the importance of the enrollment advisor and what a typical day looks like, her goals for the future, and what she’s most proud of.
What makes CCAPS’s enrollment advisor program so special?
We used to have an Information Center, which is common for many big institutions and where I started out. I really learned a lot about the College and made a ton of connections, because we fielded all sorts of questions and connected them to other people or departments. But we usually didn’t see them again after that first meeting.
A few years ago, the College decided to upgrade and develop a more in-depth resource for students across the educational spectrum and that became the enrollment advisor program. As a learner rep, the information people were seeking was general and broad. But as an enrollment advisor, I need to have comprehensive knowledge about one area within CCAPS: all the graduate-level degrees and certificates.
So, for anyone going through our graduate programs, we can talk face-to-face (via Zoom, at the moment), and I can answer questions like which programs are the best fit for your career goals, where to find specific resources, what types of students attend the programs, and the like.
What attracted you to the enrollment advisor position?
It’s really cool to be talking to and advising folks from all different walks of life about their aspirations. Given the themes of our grad programs in mental and sexual health, students I meet with are often looking to give back to the community and make a difference in others' lives, primarily underrepresented communities. I find that inspirational. Throughout my educational journey as a nontraditional student, I never felt fully supported in making vital decisions. I want to make sure students don’t feel like another number but welcomed and supported by someone who values their trust in choosing CCAPS for guidance. They share their stories, and we talk about what they want out of life. It’s a longer term relationship and not just a transactional meeting.
I also got a lot of encouragement to pursue the position from Greg, my supervisor, who told me he had a lot of confidence and faith in me. CCAPS is the first place I’ve worked where I felt like my employer really cared about me and pushed me to further myself, both personally and professionally.
What does a typical day look like?
On any given day, I could be talking to someone who is interested in furthering their studies in the mental health space, and I can help them focus on what programs would help them meet licensure requirements. Or an individual looking to focus on sexual health advocacy and wanting to expand their toolbox to counsel a wider audience. You can also find me out in the field representing the graduate portfolio at career fairs and meeting students.
What are your long-term professional goals?
I’ve completed my Multidisciplinary Studies bachelor’s so my next interest is to keep going. My interests have altered a bit similarly to many of the students I’ve met with. But I would like to find a master’s program within the international or organizational development world, so I’m looking forward to narrowing down a program. Additionally, I would like to hone my skills in data analysis, so I’d like to complete the Applied Data Analysis Certificate to improve my skills applicable to my new role.
What are you most proud of?
People put their trust in me to guide them and that’s a pretty big honor because, you know, it’s their future. When I was first going through college, I don’t feel like I had this type of advice from a person who was, like, “This is what you can do, this is your potential,” or anyone encouraging me to take a leap. So I want to do that for the people I meet with and that’s what I really enjoy.