Mark Cuban said there's a compelling reason for new grads to join small businesses instead of big companies (www.businessinsider.com)

Mark Cuban has encouraged new graduates to pursue positions in small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) rather than large corporations, emphasizing that their skills can significantly contribute to the adoption of AI agents in these settings. Cuban pointed out that while big companies may not require new grads for this integration, entrepreneurial firms are eager for fresh talent to optimize their processes using AI technologies. This aligns with the rising trend of agentic AI—a virtual assistant capable of performing tasks autonomously—which has gained traction, with adoption rates soaring from 50% to 82% among over 400 surveyed companies in just a few months. The significance of Cuban's message lies in its timing; new graduates are facing a competitive job market, with a decline in overall job postings and an increase in applications per vacancy. He highlighted that many young job seekers gravitate towards smaller firms, where they can make an immediate impact. The emphasis on flexible work arrangements is also appealing to Gen Z graduates, allowing smaller companies to compete effectively with larger organizations for top talent. Cuban's insights reflect a broader recognition within the tech community of the vital role that young professionals can play in advancing AI integration at smaller businesses.