New graduates often aim straight for well-known corporations, assuming bigger means better. Mark Cuban sees it differently. The billionaire investor and former “Shark Tank” star believes smaller workplaces offer something large companies rarely can: a real chance to make an impact right away. His advice points to a growing shift in how early careers can take shape, especially as artificial intelligence reshapes daily work.
In a post shared on X on Wednesday, Cuban encouraged new graduates to focus on small to medium-sized businesses rather than large enterprises. His message was direct. Smaller companies, he said, are where new talent can contribute in ways that actually change how work gets done.
According to Cuban, many SMBs lack the time or budget to handle complex tasks manually. This is where new graduates step in. By introducing AI agents, they can help streamline processes that might otherwise stay untouched.
“Big companies don’t need new grads for this,” Cuban wrote. “Entrepreneurial companies will love the value you add.”
AI Agents and Immediate Impact
Freepik | Graduates can stand out by using AI agents to automate business workflows.
Cuban highlighted AI agents as a key area where recent graduates can stand out. These tools act as virtual assistants that complete tasks from start to finish without constant prompts. For smaller teams, that capability can reshape operations.
He noted that new hires who understand how to use these agents can offer value from day one, often in areas companies did not realize needed attention. That immediate contribution matters more in smaller environments, where each role carries weight.
The push toward AI agents is not theoretical. Adoption has moved fast across industries. A study by software engineering management service Jellyfish reviewed more than 400 companies and found a sharp rise in usage. Adoption climbed from 50% in December 2024 to 82% by May.
Industry leaders echo that momentum. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said in January, “The age of agentic AI is here.” OpenAI CEO Sam Altman compared AI agents to junior employees, highlighting their ability to handle work independently.
Morgan Stanley also pointed to the economic effect. In a November note, the firm projected that AI shopping agents could add $115 billion to the U.S. e-commerce market by 2030.
A Tough Job Market for New Graduates
Cuban’s advice arrives at a time when finding a job has become harder for recent graduates. The number of open roles has dropped, while competition has intensified.
Employment company Handshake reported in May that job postings on its platform fell 15% compared to the previous year. At the same time, applications per posting rose by 30%, increasing pressure on job seekers.
Interestingly, more than a third of full-time applications from new graduates went to companies with 250 employees or fewer. That trend shows growing interest in smaller employers, even during uncertain hiring cycles.
Flexibility Helps SMBs Attract Gen Z
Instagram | howtobeentrepreneur | Cuban prioritizes hands-on small business growth over prestige for new grads.
Small companies are not relying on size alone to compete for talent. Flexibility plays a major role. Workplace researchers told Business Insider in July that many SMBs now offer remote or hybrid options to appeal to Gen Z candidates.
This approach aligns with what younger workers value most. While large companies often push strict office policies, smaller teams can adjust faster and offer work-from-home arrangements that fit modern expectations.
Mark Cuban’s message centers on value, not prestige. For new graduates, small businesses can provide hands-on experience, faster learning, and clearer results from their work. AI agents amplify that effect by giving early-career employees tools that matter immediately.
Choosing a smaller company does not mean thinking small. It means placing skills where they count. With AI agents becoming part of everyday operations and SMBs eager for practical solutions, new graduates can build relevance early and grow alongside the businesses they support.