Not many graduate students have really substantial industry experience when they start. Internships help a lot, provided the goal is to learn (and not be pressurised to publish papers even there. :))
It was probably unfortunate that you didn't like your experience with your group; but not all groups are like that. It depends on your advisor.
It was probably unfortunate that you didn't like your experience with your group; but not all groups are like that. It depends on your advisor.