Very truly said tim.
I have a degree in Nautical Science where I learned everything under the sun. Spherical trigonometry, Telecommunications(GMDSS, all kinds of satA,B,M,)meteorology,you name it.)
I've learned that stuff more than anyother regular sailorboy bloke. And I've practiced it hard at my work.
Today I sit with inspectors and senior advisors but I've learned & practiced that stuff so well that I don't need to check the IMO documentation to know what has to be done.

My career change option was planned as well and learning oracle has been a great experience.If I look at the IT market today it might seem shaky evertime outsourcing companies are busy restructuring, laying off. But I'm confident that I'll find a suitable place someday where I can be a real dba(as I posted in my very first threads when I joined this forum) and developer. OCP will definitely help me get inside and my continued effort to keep learning will pay when I'm in there.

If your foundation has been laid on solid basic fundamental knowledge , you've got a good start.

Tarry