In recent years, women have made a name for themselves in the medical and business fields, but a smaller number has taken a shot at the male-dominated science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) arenas.

According to the National Girls Collaborative Project, women make up 47 percent of the total work force but only 27 percent of the work force are in science and engineering. Women are underrepresented in the STEM industries and often don’t realize the opportunities they have in those fields.

A study by the National Girls Collaborative Project shows that by 2018, careers in STEM will be in greater demand than ever. Careers in those industries are great choices financially and personally.

Because STEM continues to grow and provide opportunities for women, especially with developing technology, women need to be included as much as men since each gender paints a different part of a picture.

Women usually have different perspectives from men. STEM encourages women to bring their opinions to open forums, helping them practice freedom of speech and building confidence. Women’s thoughts and creativity create a variety of solutions and options among professionals in the field.

Math teacher Deborah Kula said, “We don’t want only [one gender’s] point of view when it comes to deciding how technology is going to go. What we need to work on is choosing what is going to be happening.”

Academy students can start by taking as many math and science classes as possible and doing well in them. They can participate in clubs such as Lancer Robotics and Girls Who Code, both of which provide hands-on experiences in designing, collaboration, thinking and achieving visible outcomes.

Participation in STEM helps women build confidence and establish a solid work ethic while bringing innovation and variety to the field.

Kula said, “The main thing a woman engineer has to remember is not to let anyone discourage and bring her down.”