So you decided on a career and you think that information systems is the way to go. Let's stop right there, take a step back and examine just what it is you think "information systems" jobs are, and proceed from there. First, you need to ask yourself a few questions. What kind of job am I looking for? Do you want to be a data entry specialist and input numbers in databases or so you want to be the person who designs, implements, and maintains the database itself? Do you want to administer an entire network for a large company with hundreds of employees or do you want to be a hands on troubleshooting technician? There are many avenues to enter in the computer network and information systems field and many of them require specialized training and certifications to get the position in the first place and also to maintain that position given the speed at which technology is advancing in todays marketplace. My advice is to pick a field and specialize after carefully researching job opportunities, pay scales, and personal tastes. If you are not a "people person" it might not be a good fit for you to enter a field where you would have to ineract with co-workers who may be older or younger than yourself, or if you don't prefer to work alone and need interaction then don't choose a career in programming which involves long hours of individual effort typing code lines and checking for errors. A final consideration would be financial outlays. Can you afford to work for a lower wage i order to build up a skill/talent portfolio to get to the top paying jobs a few years down the road? Use the internet and in person interviews to do research and  get a feel for what you would like to do. Talk to college recruiters and instructors or get peer reviews from those in the field if possible. Make your decision based on these factors and you can have a long and rewarding career as a respected, well paid, and knowlegable employee in a job you can enjoy. Finally, never stop learning, as this is a lifelong process, and the benfits of keeping up with technology will always outweigh the costs of ongoing schooling or new certifications as needed to further your career.