I posted this in the beginners forum but I think it would be approriate to also post this here. I am seriously interested in Game Design and want to know some of the key skills and knowledge I need going into the career field...

Maybe this should be moved to Breaking or something?

If you're seriously interested, google around and when you hit something that you can't find help with through searching, you can look for help here at GameDev. Of course, I can't tell you how to do your research, but that's just a suggestion ; ).
I'm sure googling "what does a game designer do" would get you multiple nice, detailed articles over a few different blogs and sites.

Here is a good place to get started - I imagine you will find answers to the vast majority of your questions.

Moved to Breaking In. Grim O, read the FAQs. If there is a crosspost somewhere, I'll close it.
[Edit] No, closing this one instead.