Build a cheap headless NAS that uses ZFS, such as FreeNAS 0.7RC1. Best way to go hands down for a high-availability home file server.

As others have said, it depends on what you want to do. If you just want a job as a systems administrator, get a few certifications and lots of experience. If you want to be a software developer, experience is a must. Start doing cheap freelance stuff. Take a look at the job market out there, and look at the requirements for the job you want. The majority of them only require a 4 year degree, but ~5 years of EXPERIENCE. Getting experience is the tough part. You'll probably have to find a job on the lower level than what your post-graduation expectations were, and put your time in. Even with a masters, this is more than likely.