Ask HN: A recent graduate, how do I get over regret of not doing internships?

I have just graduated with a PhD in CS from a top world university. I never did any internships during my studies because I always thought the PhD should take priority. Now I'm beginning to realise that this was a mistake. My friends who did internships with the likes of Google/Microsoft are now walking into top notch, high-paying jobs, while I am being rejected at every turn. This is probably because I have little interview experience and also because I just don't look as good as someone with top name brands on their CV. I feel I'm being left behind in the dust.

I guess I'm just looking for some motivation here.

I don't really have a portfolio, but I have expertise. Unfortunately that expertise is not taken into account when trying to get a foot in the door of one of these tech companies. But having one of the big names on your CV acts as a springboard to a great career.