1. Tell him to get a LinkedIn and start networking like crazy. Go to networking events, Meetups (Meetup.com, there are hardware groups), startup events ,etc. Most are free. Also, use LinkedIn to find employees / founders of electronics / hardware startups and ask them out for coffee.

2. Buy this book - http://www.amazon.com/The-Education-Millionaires-Think-Portf...

3. Make a blog and start doing DIY hardware / electronics stuff / projects. Post those to Hacker News and other communities online, build an online brand. Also great to have those things on your resume in the 'Projects' sections. Play around with Arduino, Raspberry Pi's, etc and make some cool stuff.

4. Learn more software and emphasize your software skills on your resume. Tons of jobs for people with software experience / knowledge over those that are pure electronics.