NWR: fashion-related jobs

I was hoping maybe one of you ladies (or gents) could help me help out a friend.

Basically, a really good friend of mine used to work at the pentagon and navy. About 1.5 years ago she decided to take on more debt and pursue her dream of having a career in fashion. Of course, this was before the current financial crisis...so she moved to FL to go to fahsion school. now, after completing her fashion degree she is looking for a job in fashion -- preferably in product development and planning...and of course, many of the job opportunities are in NYC. so that is where her search is focused.

right now a fashion freelance agency has her 'on the books' but she hasnt gotten any calls yet. so she is in the area, still looking for jobs, and waiting for her break.

she told me today that she may just move back to FL and get an office job just so she can start getting outta debt.

but i feel so bad. she has risked so much to try and pursue her dream.

if any of you have any leads or tips that i could give my friend, i would really really appreciate it.

you can FM me too.

thanks for reading.

TIA!
Jan

I hope your friend is checking WWD every week. I think wednesday or friday is the big job posting days.
She should also be sending her resume to companies directly and not relying totally on the temp agency. She should research the name of HR directors and address her cover letters directly to a person. Big companies have websites that often post open positions that they are looking to fill. Also she should find some other agencies/ head hunters to work with. The more the better b/c many of them have certain clients and she could spread herself around better if she goes to as many as she can. Private label is a huge sector for product development. she should research companies that do private label.
Unfortunately from what I hear there are so many companies laying off, and in hiring freezes. It will be a challenge. Good luck to her.