Austin has over 25 years senior level experience with major international companies, following graduation from University College Dublin and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. He worked at a strategic level, covering the functions of Managing Director, Financial or Commercial Manager and Company Secretary within the sectors of training and consultancy, multinational computer sales and services, merchant banking and project management. He has represented trade associations at the Revenue Commissioners Customs Consultative Committee for many years. Austin has played a leading role in the development of the professional diploma course in Global Trade and e-Business on behalf of the Institute of International Trade in Ireland. He has also developed short export excellence programmes (in association with the Irish Exporters Association) which has achieved certification from the Irish Training and Employment Authority. Austin has directly initiated the development of many projects, which included the design and development of web based training (DC-PRO) with budget spend in the millions.