In my experience in an engineering discipline, GPA really only matters for the first job. After that it's all about what you did and learned in those relevant jobs you've had. But there's no doubt that GPA is hugely important in getting internships and that first full time job. Many companies automatically deny students below a certain threshold (3.0 is common, but some are 3.5 or even higher). I did some analysis of my students a few years ago and the hiring rate differences by GPA were remarkable.

At this stage of her academic career, there's only so much she can raise it. She should certainly keep trying and start to build a track record of recent strong performance. Then she can talk to recruiters about how she "woke up" and started taking her academics seriously (as evidenced by her 3.3 GPA in the last 3 semesters, as an example). The other big thing she can do is get involved in student organizations on campus, preferably ones related to her major. Work towards a leadership position if possible. That extra curricular activity will mean a lot to many companies.