What skills do research assistants in mechanical engineering need?

[koolraj09]

Hi friends.
I am a Mechanical Engineer going to attend an interview for the post of a research assistant for my post-graduation. I do not know what field am i going to do research in. It could be design,thermal or manufacturing. Though I have more knowledge and interest in design.
I want to know, in general, what skills should a research assistant needs?
I have sound theoretical knowledge of Mechanical Engineering and I have built some machines. Is this enough?
Thank you in Advance.

 

[The riddler]

I think this question would be better in the career advice section.