I would speak to the programming department manager and your department and
discuss your plans, this way there are no surprises for anyone. During your
discussion with the programming manager ask if there are any "small" projects
that have been on the back burner for any length of time. By this I mean
a simple desk top application with either VB of Access. Ask if you could
work on it part of your regular work day or on your own time. I know someone
who did this at my last employer and it worked very successfully.

I disagree with the person who said to get certified at this time. WHile
certifications are certainly worthwhile they are also very expensive, classes
for an MCSD in VB run between $5,000 and $6,000, and time intensive. At
this point you appear unsure of the direction you will take. You could spend
a lot of money on a certification and realize only afterwards that it was
not what you are suited for.