MIS == blech!!!

Current market you really need experience or an insane GPA to get a decent job.

One of my 494 professors made a comment that has stuck with me over the past year. "If you're not going to do anything cool, (aka research or TRULY fresh developement) if you're just going be a code monkey, there's no reason to get a BS or BSE in comp. sci. Just go to a vocational school and learn the basics. It's all you'll ever need for grunt work."

I got a CS because I liked the curriculum. I'm currently CTO of a school in Arizona. I code almost not at all, but the DIFFICULTY I went through getting the BS has toughened me for all the stone headed liberal arts majors out there.

About your friends. Tell them to get jobs @ Computer temp agencies. It's a good way to get your foot in the door.