Sorry to hear about your situation. I also graduated from U of I (2002). When I graduated I also felt that the school did not provided much help in opening any doors to employment. The only advice I would have has sort of already been mentioned. If you didn't have a degree in your area, what would you want to do? Once you figure that out, it's time to start networking in that area. By networking, I mean reaching out to people in that job position/company even if they are not hiring. Once you establish a few relationships doors are typically opened in one area or another. As to being "over-qualified", once a relationship is established it becomes much easier to explain why your not pursuing your degree path and why you would be happy doing "X".
Good Luck!