What is technical writing?

Technical writing involves writing documents, such as user manuals, white papers, briefs, policy, and reports, to explain complex processes. The text is meant to clearly instruct the reader on how to use a product or carry out a task they may be unfamiliar with, explain a topic in-depth, or report on something. This type of writing is necessary for various fields, including engineering, information technology, energy, and financial services.

What career opportunities can arise from learning about technical writing?

Learning about this subject will prepare you for a career as a technical writer. In the US, the job typically pays an annual wage between $50,087 and $65,655 as of 2020, and demand for the job is expected to increase along with growth in the science and tech industries. As a technical writer, you can work full-time for a company or offer your skills on a freelance basis, working on short-term projects.

What kinds of people are best suited for technical writing roles?

If you're an inquisitive person with an eye for small details, you may be well suited for a technical writing job. Technical writers must be willing to spend long hours researching products and procedures. Good communication skills are also necessary. Although writers tend to do most of their work alone, you'll be communicating with editors and industry experts who will provide feedback on your work and answer your questions.

How will online courses help me learn about technical writing?

Online courses can help you sharpen your writing skills and guide you through the technical writing process. Some courses may focus on specific writing formats, such as emails and memos, and others can enhance your research skills. Lessons related to the basics of engineering, software development, and similar technical fields can prepare you for jobs that involve simplifying complicated processes.

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Technical Writing

Technical Writing Courses

Technical Writing
Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology
Course
Rated 4.6 out of five stars. 484 reviews
40k students
Intermediate
Communication Skills for Engineers
Rice University
Specialization
Rated 4.7 out of five stars. 588 reviews
40k students
Beginner
Google IT Support
Google
Professional Certificate
Rated 4.8 out of five stars. 113413 reviews
1m students
Beginner
English for Research Publication Purposes
Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology
Specialization
Rated 4.6 out of five stars. 1085 reviews
82k students
Intermediate
Build a Professional Resume using Canva
Coursera Project Network
NEW
Guided Project
Rated 4.4 out of five stars. 209 reviews
6.7k students
Beginner
Writing Skills for Engineering Leaders
Rice University
Course
Rated 4.7 out of five stars. 336 reviews
13k students
Beginner
Writing Professional Email and Memos (Project-Centered Course)
University System of Georgia
Course
Rated 4.3 out of five stars. 300 reviews
82k students
Mixed
Create a Glossary in Microsoft Word 365
Coursera Project Network
NEW
Guided Project
Beginner
Modern Robotics: Mechanics, Planning, and Control
Northwestern University
Specialization
Rated 4.7 out of five stars. 812 reviews
41k students
Intermediate
Technical Support Fundamentals
Google
Course
Rated 4.8 out of five stars. 93164 reviews
880k students
Beginner
Communication theory: bridging academia and practice
HSE University
Course
Rated 4.7 out of five stars. 270 reviews
16k students
Intermediate
Academic Information Seeking
University of Copenhagen
Course
Rated 4.7 out of five stars. 487 reviews
20k students
Mixed
Data Science in Real Life
Johns Hopkins University
Course
Rated 4.4 out of five stars. 2271 reviews
47k students
Mixed
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
University of California, Davis
Specialization
Rated 4.6 out of five stars. 9919 reviews
260k students
Beginner
Advanced Search Engine Optimization Strategies
University of California, Davis
Course
Rated 4.5 out of five stars. 467 reviews
37k students
Intermediate
Exploring Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas
Curtis Institute of Music
Course
Rated 4.8 out of five stars. 570 reviews
74k students
Mixed
Exploring Beethoven's Piano Sonatas Part 6
Curtis Institute of Music
Course
1.7k students
Intermediate
Approaching Music Theory: Melodic Forms and Simple Harmony
California Institute of the Arts
Course
Rated 4.7 out of five stars. 119 reviews
29k students
Intermediate
Managing Employee Compensation
University of Minnesota
Course
Rated 4.7 out of five stars. 1475 reviews
37k students
Mixed
Microsoft Azure Machine Learning
Microsoft
Course
Rated 4.8 out of five stars. 40 reviews
2k students
Beginner

In summary, here are 10 of our most popular technical writing courses

Technical Writing: Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology
Communication Skills for Engineers: Rice University
Google IT Support: Google
English for Research Publication Purposes: Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology
Build a Professional Resume using Canva: Coursera Project Network
Writing Skills for Engineering Leaders: Rice University
Writing Professional Email and Memos (Project-Centered Course): University System of Georgia
Create a Glossary in Microsoft Word 365: Coursera Project Network
Modern Robotics: Mechanics, Planning, and Control: Northwestern University
Technical Support Fundamentals: Google

Skills you can learn in Business Essentials

Analytics (37)

Presentation (33)

Modeling (29)

Business Analytics (27)

Business Communication (16)

Decision-making (16)

Leadership (15)

Frequently Asked Questions about Technical Writing

Technical writing involves writing documents, such as user manuals, white papers, briefs, policy, and reports, to explain complex processes. The text is meant to clearly instruct the reader on how to use a product or carry out a task they may be unfamiliar with, explain a topic in-depth, or report on something. This type of writing is necessary for various fields, including engineering, information technology, energy, and financial services.‎
Learning about this subject will prepare you for a career as a technical writer. In the US, the job typically pays an annual wage between $50,087 and $65,655 as of 2020, and demand for the job is expected to increase along with growth in the science and tech industries. As a technical writer, you can work full-time for a company or offer your skills on a freelance basis, working on short-term projects.‎
If you're an inquisitive person with an eye for small details, you may be well suited for a technical writing job. Technical writers must be willing to spend long hours researching products and procedures. Good communication skills are also necessary. Although writers tend to do most of their work alone, you'll be communicating with editors and industry experts who will provide feedback on your work and answer your questions.‎
Online courses can help you sharpen your writing skills and guide you through the technical writing process. Some courses may focus on specific writing formats, such as emails and memos, and others can enhance your research skills. Lessons related to the basics of engineering, software development, and similar technical fields can prepare you for jobs that involve simplifying complicated processes.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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Technical Writing Courses

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