Harkins received his diploma from Tech Memorial High School in 1982 and attended Mercyhurst College in 1983 and Pennsylvania State University, The Behrend College from 1984 to 1987. His professional experience includes working as a driver for the United Parcel Service. Harkins served as an elections judge from 1982 to 1987. He then served as a committeeman from 1991 to 2006.
