Is having completed an internship valuable when it comes to applying for a graduate job?

Yes

i did an internship and the soft skills i learnt from it (how to act in the workplace, communication skills etc) helped me land a job fairly quickly. as well as that i got paid for it so helped with the debt. i cant really think of a negative of an internship but at the end of the day its down to u to show a future employer how much u learnt by undertaking it and what new skills it has provided. internships give easy experiences to quote in any interview situation!

i never did one but i wish i had, i think they are a really good opportunity to work for a big name doing something that will set you apart from others (rather than doing a boring/menial job over your student summers which won't stand out on your cv)

yes i do think internships are worthwhile. I never did one but they do add a lot to your c.v. especially if you are looking to go into that field of work

Yes, I find employers look more on those who have some experience than those who dont have any, so yes internships are a definate yes yes.

more and more employers use internships as a form of assessment for future opportunities ... in this way, internships can be the perfect in road to your career.

internships can prove extremely valuable, especially if you are unsure what career to pursue.  sometimes it can open your eyes to a world you hope to enter, either affirming your hopes or closing a door.  also, who knows, it may lead to a full time job proposition - which is no bad thing!

You should always strive to get an internship in the field you are looking for.  If you don't someone else will and they'll be one step ahead of you when you are looking for your graduate position.

I actually disagree with CRB.  I think internships can be extremely valuable, but for a different reason.  An internship doesn't necessarily put a candidate a step ahead when it comes to gaining recruitment.  However, what it does off you is the opportunity to test out an interest in a field. Often the way you perceive a job to be is very different from the reality.  An internship can allow that insight and help with a career decision.  Still, I do concede that it is nonetheless beneficial.

some internships will offer you a minimal financial reward, so it is definitely worth asking around and not settling on first offer.

Internships are absoluely worthwhile.

I graduated from college in May with a double degree in English and Spanish and, believe it or not, wasn´t having any luck finding a job. That´s when I started looking for internships. I found one with 1Global Translators (http://www.1globaltranslators.com), and I am now finishing my second month here in Barcelona, Spain, where I have had the opportunity not only to build my résumé but also improve my spoken Spanish.

I also participated in an internship before I graduated, and now I have two entries under "professional experience" in my résumé that are more valuable to my career than the part-time jobs I´ve had. Companies value experience!

Sounds like you are having a fab time on your internship!  I am very jealous.  Is there a differentiation between a worthwhile internship and one that is no going to help you.  How can you realise the distinction before signing up?

I reckon they're a must. Found this video which has some great advice on internships - the employers in it are pretty adamant it's the way to go http://www.careerplayer.com/tips-and-advice/general-advice/internships.aspx Only downside is that finding a paid internship is a nightmare!

cool - thanks.