Considering a summer job in the Alberta oil sands, several major companies are hiring, including Shell, Imperial Oil, Petro-Canada, ExxonMobil, Suncor, and Syncrude Canada. However, potential applicants should be aware of the high cost of living in Alberta, particularly the expensive housing market, which can significantly impact earnings. Renting can be costly unless shared accommodations or company-provided housing is available. Additionally, securing a position may require a longer commitment than just a summer, as companies often prefer candidates who can work for at least four months to justify the visa process. Gaining experience in this sector can be beneficial for future job prospects, especially for those in engineering fields.