internships or exchange programs in STEM fields

[spectastic]

my understanding is that internships won't really help you early on in the PhD, and instead only really set you back in graduation, because the work is likely un-publishable. However, they may play an important role in helping you network and build skill capital in certain companies that interest you when graduation is nearing. this is contrary to my undergrad, where internships and REU's are encouraged, because that's the best use of one's summer time, whereas for a grad student, the summer time is probably best invested in research without other distractions.

do others share this perspective?