Yıldırım Kırgöz holds a BS and MA in Economics from the Middle East Technical University and a MA in Economic History from the London School of Economics. Working as a research assistant in these departments, Kırgöz has also specialized in political sciences.

Kırgöz worked in the Delegation of the European Commission Turkey (2000-2001) and as an Advisor to the TOBB President. Between 2003 and 2010, he taught economics and worked as a consultant in Italy and Israel, and served as the director of projects department (2005-2006).

Kırgöz worked at TEPAV from 2011 to 2013 as  Istanbul Representative.