To be successful as a veterinarian you would need some of the following skills:
1. A love for working with animals.
2. Excellent communications skills to develop what we call the patient-client-doctor relationship so the client understands the pet's problems and the treatment plan.
3. An excellent understanding of running a business, including which products to purchase, marketing of the practice to acquire new clients, and expenses of operating the entire hospital.
4. Strong leadership skills. The veterinarian is responsible for coordinating with the receptionist to help the client at the front desk with financial questions, and instruct the veterinary technicians on what tasks need to be performed on each pet (for example, taking a blood sample, what injections to give, ear cleanings, taking x-rays).
5. Being physically fit. You have to squat and bend over a lot, stand in place for surgery for long periods of time.
6. Patience. The most successful veterinarians know how to handle difficult situations while being calm and can handle multiple problems at the same time.
7. Dedication. You have to be completely devoted to learning your trade. That means, pursuing a lot of continuing education to keep up-to-date on the latest treatments in veterinary medicine.

How difficult it can be to work with some clients. Not the pets. Even difficult animals are understandable. But, sometimes, a client can be very difficult because they can't afford services, or because they disagree with your recommendation, or simply, they are rude.
They never prepare you for that.
Again, this is where having excellent communications skills and patience helps.

Trick question.
If you ask 10 vets, you will possibly get 10 different answers....just so you know.
For me, because of the economy, more owners have been unable to financial afford to do what is best for their pets. I try to help as much as possible, but I can only do so many services at a discount or for free.
I wish my job could be safer. There are definitely risks of injury to anyone who works in a veterinary hospital.

I started at 15 1/2 years old as a bather.
Many pre-veterinary students work during winter or summer breaks as receptionists or veterinary assistants. Some students become licensed technicians (R.V.T.) before applying to veterinary school (this is not required).
Also, volunteering at animal shelters, local zoos, rescues is helpful experience.

Dr. XXXXXX XXXXX
By the way, you can refer to the following link on an interview that I gave about being a veterinarian and jobs in the veterinary field.


http://www.sciencescrossing.com/article/810014/Veterinarian-Job-Profile/

Perks are different for every veterinarian and depend on what you negotiate. Many full-time veterinarians receive medical, dental and vision coverage (not all). Many veterinarians receive a stipend and a certain number of days off to pursue continuing education, in addition to, their vacation time.
Other veterinarians will also have their employers pay for their membership in different veterinary organizations.
Also, discounts on pet services.
Of course, the satisfaction of the job and really performing a service that no one else can provide. It was very satisfying when I pulled over 30 small bones out of a dog's stomach. He ingested an entire chicken after getting into the fridge.

Also, you will want to proof read everything, since I have been typing very fast to answer your questions.

I went to UC Davis and completed a 4 year degree in Biological Sciences before going to veterinary school.

You'll also find some good statistics and more extensive answers to some of your questions within that link.