Following completion of a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Queensland, Stirling gained extensive experience in policy advisor and research roles at three levels of government. Stirling expanded his public policy and commercial experience as Manager, Policy & Research at the Property Council of Australia (Queensland Division) before establishing his micro-business as a Property Industry Analyst. 

Before turning 30, Stirling was foundation President of the Chermside and Districts Historical Society.

During the couple of years out of Parliament, he served as a volunteer Board Member with Northside Wizards Basketball assisting at a key development stage for one of Queensland’s largest community basketball associations.