The best and most direct ways to learn about a career is to

The best and most direct way to learn about anything is to do it hands-on; in this case that would mean getting experience with the career either by shadowing someone else, being an intern, or getting a job in that field. firsthand experience will tell you more than any amount of research could because, while the research may be accurate, it is not specifically from your perspective. 

Stealthily, eerily, nervously, fearfully, excitedly, sheepishly, immediately