“If you are not ready for a university environment” is a snotty dismissal of the benefits of the LAC. I’d say Carleton is probably the overall higher quality education, but NW does have some career benefits in this situation if the OP is 100% certain of their career path. Which, honestly, most students aren’t. And I definitely think the OP could pursue the same career from either school.
Also, I have degrees from 2 universities with the largest alumni networks in the US. I work in a field where connections are vital and I’m always hunting for new business. I’ve really never been able to parlay the school connections into anything substantial in spite of attempts. Now people I personally know, yes. But stranger alums? Nope. Also, I think a small school like Carleton actually has a tighter alum network that is more willing to help.