PJ, I don’t think that is a change. In a 20 years since I’ve been an industrial designers, those that could design and understand he basics of mechanics and empathize with users have always been the most valued. And the same in engineering, those who can understand more than the pure mechanical and manufacturing problems have more value to organizations. In both cases, those who can understand the entire scope of the problems at hand and work toward solutions that satisfy the principles of each discipline typical get promoted into leadership.
That doesn’t mean I would recommend going to engineering first. In this case, if this student knows she wants to go into ID, jump in with both feet. Personally I went the art school rout and I think the emphasis on abstract thinking and creative problem solving has helped me as I’ve become a leader.