We usually think of psychologists as seeing clients, conducting research, teaching at universities or holding high administrative positions.

But psychologists also work in many unexpected places and on many unexpected topics — perhaps far more than you’d think.

Here’s a short list of psychologists who have some of the most interesting and odd jobs.

1. Circus Psychologist

Psychologist Madeleine Hallé works at Cirque du Soleil helping performers adjust to their new job, overcome fear and stage fright and recover from injuries and fatigue. In 1998 she began working on an as-needed basis but then went full-time as Cirque du Soleil incorporated performance psychology into its training program. Hallé earned a master’s degree in sport sciences with an emphasis on coaching along with a Ph.D in sport psychology from Université du Montréal.

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